Cathy Lask
Return to Service Provider Interviews
This method cost 2%.
“Quite a few prostitutes have shown up at our shelter. There seems to be a pattern of violence in client/prostitute relationships that is similar to that of domestic violence. The degree of violence is much worse when the prostitutes are hooked on drugs. They will suffer through anything knowing that they will get their drug fix.
I often hear of the same offender assaulting different prostitutes. The girls talk to each other, and most know who the violent clients are. So they try to avoid them.”
Response Revealed
Distribute information about known dangerous clients to prostitutes.
Show/Hide DetailsPolice in some jurisdictions distribute so-called “bad dates” lists to street prostitutes, warning them to stay away from clients who are known to assault prostitutes. Some people may view this as condoning prostitution, however.
Response Revealed
Mediate conflicts between prostitutes and the community.
Show/Hide DetailsWhile negotiating with offenders is not common for the police, street prostitutes have responded positively in several communities where the police and community have requested that they stay away from certain areas or reduce their nuisance behavior in exchange for some tolerance. In one Vancouver community, community groups posted signs and maps requesting that prostitutes stay out of certain areas. Obviously, it can be difficult to get prostitutes to comply with agreements.
Response Revealed
Suspend or revoke government aid to prostitutes.
Show/Hide DetailsMany street prostitutes receive government aid in one form or another (e.g., for housing, dependent children, unemployment insurance, and/or disability), but would not qualify for such if they reported their prostitution income. You might share arrest and intelligence information with government agencies providing the aid. The threat of losing government aid might compel some prostitutes to quit. For this approach to be viable, adequate social services must be available to help them do so. You should take care not to unduly harm any dependent children.
