Global Centurion: March Newsletter
June 3, 2013Comments are closed.
The Only Effective Method For Eradicating Modern Slavery is to Target Demand
Earlier this week, I was walking past what used to be a massage parlor that specialized in selling sex. Just a mile from the White House and two miles from the Nations Capitol, this parlor was located near one of the trendiest neighborhoods in DC, in easy walking distance to high-powered lobbying firms and expensive bars. These businesses often set up near popular restaurants, marine barracks, and affluent business districts, and they often stay open 14 hours a day, seven days a week.Law enforcement officials note that as soon as they shut one of these establishments down, another one opens. During the course of one investigation, undercover agents were actually turned away from the establishment because they were over capacity: i.e., there were so many men seeking services that the parlor was literally forced to turn away business(DC Human Trafficking Task Force Presentation, 2013).As with every facet of modern slavery, basic economic principles are at work. The huge supply of parlors serving as fronts for commercial sex in our Nations Capitol–and around the country–is a result of demand: when demand goes up, supply grows to meet the demand. Conversely, if demand goes down, so too will the supply.The only effective method for eradicating modern slavery is to target demand. To read about some of the ways Global Centurion recommends targeting demand, read our paper,The Five Ssto tackle Demand. >>
New Report Examines the Demand Side of Commercial Sexual Exploitation
Earlier this month, Dr. Susan McIntyre, an international researcher and well-respected expert on child sexual exploitation released a study entitled,Buyer Beware. In it she interviewed 20 sex buyers from the Prostitution Offender Program in Winnipeg and Edmonton. A snapshot of some of the findings:
- 75% of those interviewed had been to a college or university.
- 75% earned over $50,000 annually, with 40% earning over $100,000 annually.
- 75% of this population had or were in long-term relationships and had children.
- 75% of this population considered themselves to be sexually addicted but over 27% had not sought any form of treatment.
- Close to 50% of this population had other addictions such as substance addiction to alcohol or drugs.
- Those interviewed range in age from 20 to 72 years of age, with an average age of 44.
- Over 55 percent of this population had become consumers while they were under the age of 30 years.
- The exercise of cruising and strolling the street before purchasing was something all had done.
- Strolling in a vehicle is something which served as an early warning indicator in building a persons self confidence to become a consumer.
- 40% had commenced this behavior while under the age of 20.
- 75% of this population had been consumers in the sex trade for over ten years, but only 65% of them had been charged. The use of escort and massage parlous prevented criminal charges for many in the study as these are city-licensed and controlled businesses in Winnipeg and Edmonton.
- Becoming a consumer was thought to be an adventure, revenge, easy and satisfying or a fantasy for this population.
- 55% of this population identified a family history of a parent, grandparent or sibling who was a consumer of the sex trade.
- 45% had arranged an en escort service or entered a massage parlor.
- 35% had arranged an encounter online.
- 60% stated that they purchased for companionship, and the activity would occur in hotels, apartments and cars
- 70% reported feeling guilty, bad and remorseful after they had been a consumer.
- 45% of this population feared they had purchased from a minor.
Support the 2013 Norma Hotaling Awards
For the past four years, Global Centurion has recognized individuals and organizations in three areas of anti-trafficking work: 1) survivor-centered service providers; 2) innovative work to curb demand; and, 3) policy work addressing systemic change. In this way we hope to honor and remember Norma, and at the same time, support and recognize the work of abolitionists here in the U.S. and Canada who are carrying on in her vision.
Do you know someone who is a leader in the fight against modern slavery? If so, we are currently accepting applications for this year’s recipients. Find out more here >>
Would you consider supporting these important awards with a gift of any amount? Every year, we are proud that these funds have been raised from individuals, advocates and organizations across the United States. Give here >>
Upcoming Events
Global Centurion Foundation President and Founder Laura J. Lederer will be speaking at a number of events focused on global anti-trafficking efforts including the 2013 South Texas Conference on Human Trafficking. To read about or register for these events,please visit our calendar.
Support GCF Today!
Over the next twelve months, GCF seeks to greatly expand our efforts to fight modern day slavery by focusing on demand. Your tax-deductible gift of any amount will directly support GCFs demand-focused initiatives worldwide. Give Today >>