Prostitution Essay Example

of gender or age) is used for sexual gratification, exploitation or pleasure in exchange for money or other benefits. This definition also encompasses any actions that promote or facilitate such acts.

Prostitution is not just an isolated incident; rather than operating in isolation, the prostitution industry functions within a complex system consisting of three main components: the Business (pimps and sex establishment owners), the Buyer (individuals who pay for sexual services), and the Bought (those being sold).

The buyer, who is usually a financially powerful male customer, plays a crucial role. Furthermore, those who are being purchased - including women, men, and children - are treated as both capital and commodity. Over time, prostitution has become institutionalized, organized, and globalized. This can be seen through various forms such as street prostitution, bars, brothels, Kate-bark establishments,"massage parlors," escort services, sex tourism,cyber prostitution,and local & international sex trafficking. The expansion of this industry is evident in the increasing number of budget hotels surrounding these areas. It should be noted that despite their apparent cleanliness on the outside,such accommodations often lack quality standards. Additionally,girl bars and high-class clubs mainly cater to wealthy clients.This trend has now spread to numerous locations around the world.

Prostitution has become a de facto legal industry in the Philippines, with an increasing number of people engaged in it. Manila gained the reputation as Asia's largest prostitution destination in 1982, employing 50,000 registered hospitality girls in the tourist entertainment sector. By 1987, there were 300,000 bar girls and an estimated half of the national figure involved in unlicensed prostitution. In 1998, it was approximated that between 400,000 and 500,000 people were engaged in prostitution in the

Philippines, including 75,000 children. Senator Pip S. Cetacean's "Anti-prostitution Act" (Senate Bill No. 2341) states that this number has now increased to 800,000 women being exploited in prostitution. The reasons for entering into prostitution vary according to a survey conducted along Guenon Avenue in Guenon City.

This text examines different factors that play a role in prostitution. These factors include poverty, lack of job prospects, abuse, drug dependence, inadequate education, peer pressure, dysfunctional families, deceptive recruiters, pornography, exploitation through tourism, and society's apathy towards this problem. They are commonly known as "push-pull" factors and deserve recognition.

In ministries focused on rescuing and rehabilitating prostituted women, there is often a common experience of encountering individuals who did not choose to become prostitutes. Instead, they frequently come across many young women who have experienced poverty and suffered physical and sexual abuse in their past. These women are often enticed by recruiters to leave their hometowns where job opportunities are limited, with the promise of finding legal employment in urban areas. Unfortunately, upon arrival, these vulnerable individuals are often tricked or forced into working within the sex industry.

The study conducted on Guenon Avenue involved interviews with 243 prostituted women (PI). Among these women, 45% were aged 18-22, 30% were aged 23-27, and 11% were aged 28-32. The youthfulness of the prostituted women indicates the phenomenon known as the "short shelf life" in which women forced into prostitution experience severe physical and psychological harm due to the inhuman and degrading nature of their lives. Melissa Farley extensively documents the negative impact of prostitution on women's health, highlighting its detrimental effects on both the body and heart. Regardless of

its legal status throughout history, prostitution has consistently had devastating consequences on women's health. This is evident in the numerous physical and psychological repercussions associated with this destructive lifestyle. One such consequence is the deep wounds created in a woman's psyche when she has been a victim of sexual abuse, often in the form of incest. As a result, her sense of self-worth is diminished, leading to low self-esteem and increasing vulnerability to recruitment into a life of prostitution due to the violation she has already experienced.

Engaging in various forms of prostitution can subject women to sexual violence and physical assault, leading to several adverse health consequences. These include fatigue, frequent viral infections, sexually transmitted diseases, back pain, insomnia, sadness, headaches, stomachaches, and eating disorders. Prostitution also has long-term psychological effects like post-traumatic stress disorder and mood disorders such as dissociation and depression. Therefore, it is crucial to acknowledge and safeguard the fundamental rights of individuals exploited in prostitution.

The text emphasizes the importance of granting specific rights to individuals, which include treating them with humanity and respect, safeguarding their dignity and security, preventing discrimination and abuse, enabling them to seek justice for violations of their rights, providing fair and compassionate treatment, ensuring access to legal and social services, and empowering survivors to advocate for their concerns. Furthermore, the text proposes a solution for reducing the impact of prostitution by criminalizing the demand for it. Rather than punishing women engaged in prostitution, efforts should be directed towards prosecuting customers, pimps or establishment owners. Currently, when brothels are raided, it is common practice to imprison the exploited women.

Male customers frequently escape detention and punishment,

allowing the sex institution and its owner to continue operating without facing any consequences. Instances of human rights violations have been reported, with arrested prostitutes experiencing unfair treatment or being coerced into providing sexual favors to law enforcement officers before being released from custody. Certain organizations are pushing for the criminalization of buying prostitution, inspired by Sweden's enactment of similar laws where paying or offering payment for sexual services is deemed illegal. This approach in Sweden emphasizes the accountability of all individuals who contribute to the sex trade.

The adoption of an innovative approach has sparked a public debate, prompting communities to reconsider the acceptability of purchasing sex in their streets and neighborhoods. This has resulted in a significant decrease in the number of women involved in street-based prostitution. While it is possible that some women have shifted to indoor work, part of the success of this policy can be attributed to the extensive support provided for those who wish to leave the streets. Janice Raymond presents ten reasons opposing the legalization of prostitution in her thought-provoking analysis, one being that it would benefit pimps, traffickers, and the sex industry.

The act of legalizing prostitution has negative consequences such as promoting sex trafficking, expanding the sex industry, and increasing child prostitution. The thriving prostitution business is primarily motivated by financial gain and involves significant amounts of money. Additionally, international prostitution is closely connected to human trafficking and creates a demand for women with different body types. It is estimated that trafficking alone has become a $57 billion global industry. Moreover, prostitution is not only associated with trafficking but also linked to internet pornography. A social

worker specializing in rehabilitating women involved in prostitution asserts that internet pornography serves as the theoretical aspect while prostitution serves as its practical manifestation.

The prevalence of internet pornography has negative effects on society, as it infiltrates our lives and increases men's sexual desires. It also exposes them to explicit content that often portrays male dominance or sexual violence against women. As a result, some men may feel justified in seeking perverted satisfaction through prostitution, as their partners would never agree to engage in such immoral acts. Despite being widespread, society tends to ignore the issue of prostitution, allowing it to remain "hidden in plain sight."

US Ambassador Harry Thomas has sparked controversy in the Philippines by bringing attention to the problem of sex tourism. He claims that 40 percent of male tourists specifically come to the country for sexual activities. Some senators, who are concerned about their country's reputation, have demanded proof for this assertion. However, it is important for these senators to also consider the well-being and dignity of women involved in the sex trade. It would be incorrect to assume that only foreign men patronize Filipino prostitutes, as Filipino men themselves are major customers. The Catholic Church condemns prostitution and human trafficking as offenses against human life and dignity. According to both the Second Vatican Council and The Catechism of the Catholic Church, engaging in these acts devalues individuals and reduces them to mere objects for sexual pleasure.

Engaging in prostitution is a serious offense that defiles the body and goes against one's purity, which is considered sacred. This issue affects individuals of all genders and ages, including children and teenagers who

may find themselves in scandalous situations. However, if someone is impoverished, blackmailed, or under social pressure, the gravity of the sin may be somewhat lessened. The "Theology of the Body," studied by Pope John Paul II, offers insight into human sexuality and the purpose of our bodies that can be renewed and redeemed. By examining Christ's teachings and exploring Genesis to understand the profound significance of man and woman, the Pope emphasizes that humanity can transition from innocence to desire but ultimately find redemption through Christ. When Christ states that even desiring a woman is akin to committing adultery (as mentioned in Matthew 5:27-28), it is not an accusation but an invitation. This invitation urges us to rediscover the gaze witnessed in Genesis when man beheld woman and declared her as "flesh of my flesh and bone of my bones" (as described in Genesis 2:23). Embracing this transformative perspective requires adopting new eyes, which can only be achieved by embracing Christ.

In his first encyclical, Dues Caracas Est, Pope Benedict XVI emphasizes the dignity and beauty of human sexuality. He criticizes the reduction of eros to a mere "thing" to be bought and sold, resulting in individuals themselves becoming commodities. This undermines the significance of man's affirmation of the body. Instead, people now perceive their bodies and sexuality as purely materialistic aspects that can be used and exploited as desired. While eros has the potential to elevate individuals towards a divine connection and transcendence, it requires a journey of ascent, renunciation, purification, and healing. Overall, a new approach or perspective is necessary.

The recent post-synod's exhortation in Verb Domino emphasizes the recognition and support of

human beings' inherent goodness by the word of God. This is particularly important given the confusion and trivialization surrounding the human body and sexual differentiation. According to God's design, individuals were created as man and woman and are called to engage in a love that is faithful, reciprocal, and fruitful. Our Lord reinforces this message through an appeal found in the book of Exodus where He states: "I have heard the cry of my people and I have come down to rescue them from their suffering" (Exodus 3:7-8). In light of all cries for help, none are more urgent than those made by women and children who are forced into prostitution.

Jesus demonstrated compassion towards women who were marginalized by society, including the Samaritan woman with multiple husbands, the adulterous woman caught in the act, and the sinful woman with a tarnished reputation (as mentioned in Luke 7:off). He was unafraid of criticism because his purpose was to assist those seeking salvation and redemption, rather than those who considered themselves righteous. As members of the Church today, it is our responsibility to continue Jesus' mission by standing alongside those who endure suffering and are in need. The opening words of Stadium et esp. highlight this call, urging followers of Christ to empathize with and support those experiencing hardship. This corresponds with SST's appeal.

In his letter to the Church of Corinth, Paul emphasized the interconnectedness of the body of Christ, stating that if one part suffers, all parts suffer (1 Corinthians 12:26). He urged the church to actively engage in addressing challenging issues rather than keeping a distance. The song "Speak my Word" calls on

individuals to not remain passive and indifferent, questioning if it is enough to simply not be present when others are struggling. It highlights that prostitution exists because society permits the buying and selling of women, and as a church, we must work towards changing cultural standards and condemning this evil, particularly the demand for it. The CAT-AP branch emphasizes the need for restructuring gender relations to restore sexuality as an experience of human intimacy rather than a commodity. The rarity of discussions surrounding the demand for prostitution is mentioned, along with a call for priests to speak out and denounce sex establishments within their parishes. It is important to not assume that nothing can be done and instead take action.

As Christians, it is crucial for us to remain engaged and persistent in our battle against evil. It is vital that we ponder upon the motivations behind men seeking out prostitutes. G. K. Chesterton, a renowned English writer, proposed that a man who visits a brothel might be yearning for a spiritual connection with God. Instead of solely condemning individuals who purchase women's services, we should also remember to pray for their conversion. In the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus teaches us that the father did not reject his son despite him squandering his inheritance on prostitutes; instead, the father received him back with mercy. Henceforth, our aim should be to discover practical solutions in effectively addressing this issue.

The idea of seminarians praying their rosary once a week outside a sex establishment left me amazed! I propose specific ways to pray for those involved in prostitution, especially for the conversion of men who

purchase women, and for the change of mindset and behavior of pimps and sex establishment owners who promote the industry. One approach could be organizing a rosary and procession outside the sex establishments and girl bars in your local area or parish. As a parish priest, you can also address this topic during catechist meetings or in a homily intended for adults, but it would not be appropriate to discuss it in front of minors. If conducting a retreat, you can choose to incorporate this theme or make reference to it.

Support the closure of nearby sex clubs by creating and signing a petition. Encourage theological schools to offer courses that study and analyze prostitution and trafficking. Advocate for efforts to reduce the influence of internet pornography. Promote greater involvement of Religious Sisters in addressing the issues faced by prostituted women. Demand more scrutiny on the reasons behind tourists coming to the Philippines for sexual purposes. Speak out against sex establishments and other locations that contribute to prostitution. Back organizations such as the Samaritan Transformation Ministries or the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women. Emphasize the need for a more focused and targeted Church ministry.

While some sisters have made significant efforts to address the problems associated with prostitution, there is still more that the Church could do. Although certain groups are doing commendable work, tackling this issue requires collaboration rather than an individualistic approach. It is crucial for organizations such as NGOs, government initiatives, apathetic lay groups, and the Church to join forces. However, effective coordination is also essential. Currently, the Church has offices and committees to address various concerns such as mining

issues, deforestation, and support for individuals with special needs. Surprisingly though, there is no dedicated ministry within the Church specifically aimed at combating prostitution, despite the fact that it likely affects around 800,000 women. This is arguably one of the most significant pastoral concerns that lacks a specific office or personnel dedicated to addressing it.

A proposition is to establish a national coordinator within the Catholic Church who can collaborate with various personnel and organizations involved in addressing the issue. It is crucial for the Church to renew its efforts and actively support our brothers and sisters who are engaged in prostitution. Additionally, there should be a stronger condemnation of those who patronize prostitutes and a more explicit criticism of the operators of sleazy spas and sex establishments. FRR Reuters' powerful appeal echoes in my mind, stating that it is our moral duty to extend a helping hand to those in need, especially the vulnerable girls trapped in prostitution. Each of us has the ability to make a difference if only we are willing to try. Change is overdue.