Have you ever heard somebody saying that escorts work in the world’s oldest profession? Whether it is approved or not by the rest of people, many say that. But if this job is so old, why is there an evidently perpetual stigma towards the sex workers?
Instead of throwing frustrations, superficial opinions and indoctrinated thoughts at people who, just like the rest, have the entitlement to choose whatever job they desire, the effort and attention could be redirected towards humans’ rights, as well as their safety and protection.
Recognising Sex Work as Work
Many people who find themselves in the middle of the crowd who screams slogans against the decriminalisation of the sex industry are unaware of its meaning, being just carriers of old-fashioned opinions, or new-fashioned feminist thoughts.
Why shouldn’t sex work be decriminalised? “ Because it is bad.” Well, how about not pointing fingers at people “because of reason” and see the reality that hides behind the criminalisation of paid sex, as well as the benefits of stopping the interdictions around it?
If the criminal prosecution of sex work is removed, this job is recognised as work, right? Therefore, the workers’ rights are protected allowing them to have higher health and safety standards. Furthermore, living without a stigma or fear of violence are also aspects that can be changed through decriminalisation, aren’t they?
So, decriminalisation of this industry is allowing sex workers to do their jobs, just like any others free agents who are not breaking the law. More precisely, this actions removes criminal charges, without eliminating all the laws surrounding this matter.
But, what are the good aspects of returning the rights to the workers and making them free agents?
Bad Women Vs. Bad Laws: Criminalisation and Stigmatisation Put Sex Workers at Risk
Some people believe that sex work exploits women, bringing them violence and men dominance over their bodies and traumatising them both physically and psychically. If they are coerced, yes!, I couldn’t agree more. But for many women sex work is a choice. Their choice!
And this is one of the benefits of decriminalisation in this case: it can STOP HUMAN TRAFFICKING! While many women enter this industry voluntarily, there are some who are forced, but most of them are not offered any help and to be honest, they don’t usually ask for it since they are threatened with criminal prosecution.
So, wouldn’t it be better if the women in need could collaborate with law enforcement? Because of their criminalised status, many escorts don’t even think about going to the police, believing that no action would be taken in order to help them. And, unfortunately, in many places of the world, law representatives are busier with eliminating this profession instead of making the world a safer place for people, no matter what their career choice was.
Yes, the sad truth is that there are countries where sex workers are abused in many ways, including rape or beatings and, because of their status, there are no laws and even reasons to STOP THE ABUSE AND VIOLENCE. If sex work is decriminalised, many women can be saved from abusive clients, third parties and even police.
Only Rights Can Stop the Wrongs so…What About Human Rights?
The are many marginalised groups in the world and sex workers are one of them. Criminalisation sustains marginalisation, stigmatisation and do you know where these issues lead to? Nothing but creating chaos among sex workers as well putting them in all kinds of danger!
Besides the fact that decriminalisation stands for RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND PERSONAL DIGNITY, it can also solve a very concerning problem regarding health and safety. A major barrier to accessing HEALTH SERVICES has been encountered by many sex workers, because of criminalisation. Whether it was the health workers or just the system, it doesn’t actually matter since the problem is the same in each case: why the life of a sex worker is not as important as the life of any other worker?
So, moving sex workers from the “black zone” will make the industry a healthier place and that is a positive action towards the clients as well. The risk of sexually transmitted diseases would become much lower if this business is regulated.
Furthermore, decriminalisation is a step in destroying DISCRIMINATION and the result of having a criminal record. In many countries, people convicted for sex-related crimes are denied EMPLOYMENT. So, what if a sex worker wants to change her job? It would be almost impossible to find something else, and even take advantage of her RIGHT TO A GOOD EDUCATION!
In conclusion, decriminalisation of commercial and consensual sex it’s a huge step in destroying violence towards sex workers, gives them access to justice, to health services, returns the right to sexual autonomy, kills discriminations and stops marginalising and isolating sex workers, as well as limiting their options.
Yes, along with human nature comes being judgmental. We do not approve with many of the decisions are taken by people we know, or we love. But, that doesn’t mean we are right and they are wrong, does it? As long as people don’t hurt others, they have the RIGHT TO CHOOSE what to wear, what to eat and what to do for a living.
You may not agree with the fact that somebody wants to work in the sex industry just like your parents might not agree with you being a freelancer. But the fact that you don’t wear a suit, don’t wake up at 7 a.m and take the train to go to an office, doesn’t make you a criminal, does it?
She is most well known for her sex advice pieces, yet also has a major interest in sexual health and other serious issues. However, this is all done with a quirky style that is unmistakably hers.
When she isn't working, Anna is a fitness fanatic, and enjoys going away with her partner for various weekend trips.
- Instagram Dating | Are You Using It For Hook-Ups? - October 4, 2019
- Scotland’s First Sex Worker’s Union - September 2, 2019
- The Rise Of Male Escorts In The 21st Century - July 1, 2019
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