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Prostitution - Is It a Victimless Crime

NCJ Number
85611
Editor(s)
D Bracey, M Neary
Date Published
1979
Length
162 pages
Annotation
This seminar looks at prostitution from the legal, sociological, and law enforcement viewpoints. The lawyers, prostitutes, police officers, and social scientists participating address the psychology of prostitutes, pimps, and 'johns' (customers), as well as police enforcement tactics and the potential for legalization.
Abstract
Speakers note that many prostitutes remain with pimps out of extreme fear of retaliation even if no force is used, that most are in their late teens to early twenties, and that their psychological problems may defeat any effort to help them. Crime and prostitution are linked; many pimps are arrested for crimes other than promoting prostitution, and prostitutes may steal from their customers and shoplift. Legalizing prostitution would be difficult to accomplish; no communities want special prostitution zones in their areas and crime would likely continue in any special area. Most prostitutes' customers are white males enticed by the potential danger and intrigue involved. Many politicians favor call girls' services as a way of expressing their power and dominance. A program to help prostitutes is also described. A prostitute's personality profile is appended along with an index, about 40 references, and a bibliography with about 200 citations.

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