| Prostitution |
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| Thursday, 25 August 2011 09:29 |
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Prostitution, whether by free choice or by force, degrades the dignity of the human person. First, prostitution is sexual abuse and exploitation. The prostitute is seen simply as an object for sexual recreation and gratification. Second, prostitutes are often victims of violence from their pimps or from their clients. The pimps require a quota which must be met; otherwise the prostitute is punished. Clients inflict violence on prostitutes during the sexual encounters. In extreme cases, the prostitutes become victims of homicide. Third, drug and alcohol addiction is common among prostitutes, especially among the young. Fourth, prostitution is a practice where sexually transmitted diseases are prevalent.1 Fifth, prostitution stems from a domino effect, in which many are following the same path of their parents in the prostitution lifestyle. Indeed, prostitution is a quagmire of power and control, a prison of sexual abuse with little chance of escape. Most prostitutes wish for a better life, but it is not easy for a female prostitute to quit. Males have a better chance of quitting because they usually operate independently. Females must worry about the power and tyranny their pimps have over them.2 Prostitution is a tragedy, especially for our children. Many children are forced into prostitution by their parents. A good number of child prostitutes are runaways from home escaping from sexual abuse. They become homeless and use the streets as their dormitories.3 In most cases, the children cluster in the most dangerous parts of a city, thus creating greater chances for becoming victims of further abuse and violence. Covenant House, an outreach program for homeless youth reports that, “A child who spends more than 24 hours living on the streets has an 80% greater chance of being trafficked”4 for prostitution services. Prostitutes need our compassionate response. We are reminded of the woman caught in adultery in the Gospel of John, Chapter 8. There are three key messages that come from this story. The first is “Let the one among you cast the first stone.”5 Jesus’ words remind us of our own sinful nature, in need of forgiveness and healing. Second, after those who were ready to stone the woman walked away, Jesus say to the woman, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you? She replied, ‘No one sir.’ Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you.”6 Jesus cautions us to be careful of casting judgment upon the one who is in error. Lastly Jesus’ final words to the adulteress is “Go, from now on do not sin any more.”7 Here Jesus provides a clear message for us. As Christians, we can never accept objective moral evil. Jesus did not approve the woman’s act of adultery; he clearly stated that she should not sin again. Jesus’ compassion and forgiveness of the woman, however is equally affirmed. Here we see that the Heart of God is mercy. Compassion and forgiveness come before the rule of punishment before the law. We need to protect the inviolable dignity of each human being. Children especially are the vulnerable ones being placed in sexually exploiting situations. In this issue of JPIC Corner, we will provide resources for getting involved and raising awareness of prostitution and sex trafficking. We will also provide information about runaway youth (who are more likely to become victims of sex trafficking) as well as links to resources. Let us pray daily for the protection and safeguarding of our young. Br. Warren Perrotto, MSC
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Several years ago our JPIC Corner focused on human trafficking. Most of these victims are forced into a career of prostitution. Some are as young as 12 years of age. Unfortunately, in some countries prostitution is necessary for survival. It provides income for poor families.Social Justice eNewsletter
Each month, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart publish an social justice e-newsletter called JPIC Corner. Click the link above to sign up.