In order to understand, we must educate ourselves. What: Definition of brothel as defined by the American Heritage Dictionary: A house of prostitution "It is a crime to enslave a man. Is it no less a crime to enslave [a woman, or] a child?" -Sir Stamford Raffles Why? Economics is a major factor pushing women to be exploited workers in the sex tourism industry. The countries in which sex tourism thrives are developing nations with little economic stability and an immense poverty rate. Bearing the responsiblity of caring for their children and families, these women are pushed into the urban industrial areas and end up working in the sex industry because it is one of the few employment opportunities open to women. Causes of commercial sexual exploitation of women and children include the responsibilty of women and children to support families, the lack of laws and law enforcement, and the lack of educational, employment and vocational opportunities There is also a great demand of sex tourists, pedophiles and the migrant labor force in which the cultural practice of men going to whore houses and brothels is widely seen. Where: A virgin girl (age ranging from 13-21) can be sold for US $176, the equivelent of 3 years wage for most people in South East Asia Los Angeles area has approximately 10, 000 illegal brothels. In some countries, young girls are sold to a pimp who must then become a prostitute in order to pay off the loan, sometimes called a "debt bond". It can take years for her to earn enough money to pay off the debt and by that time, she may be infected with STDs and AIDS. In Calcutta, it is estimated that at least 20% of prostitutes, approximately 9,000 are under 18 years of age. -Use Me No More, pp70-71 Japan receives the largest number of migrant women who work....in the sex industry. It is estimated that 100,000 women enter the country each year as "entertainers". -Yayori Matsu, In God's Image, June 1990 Who: On the average, 5-7,000 young girls are trafficked across Nepal and sold into INdian brothels each year. Over the past decade, the average age of these girls has dropped from 14-16 years old to 10-14 years old. -Diva, September/December 1992 The National Task Force on Prostitution suggests that over one million people in the US have worked as prostitutes in the United States, or about 1% of American women. Average prostitution arrests include 70% females, 20% percent male prostitutes and 10% customers. Concerns: The U.S. Department of Health consistently reports that only 3-5% of the sexually transmitted disease in this country is related to prostitution (compared with 30-35% among teenagers). Violence is one of the major problems for women and prostitutes. Figures vary, one report citing 60% of the abuse against street prostitutes perpetrated by clients, 20% by police and 20% in domestic relationships. According to one massage parlor owner, over 90% of abuse against some prostitutes takes place within domestic relationships. Between 35 and 85% of prostitutes are survivors of incest or early sexual abuse. (Figures vary widely for different populations.) Some researchers suggest that prostitutes, in general, suffer from 'negative identities' or lack of self esteem. Other arising issues of concern include: discrimination in employment and other public compensations, restriction under criminal law, discrimination against sex workers as women, explotative employment. Poor health and safety elements include: no access to medical care, no right/opportunity to use contraception, unsafe, cramped or unhygenic working environments, forced/dangerous abortion practices, and psychological abuse. Concerns of slavery - ownership by another. "In no other country do people expect to establish long-term relationships with sex workers; nowhere else in the world do they event hink of marrying them. So what is going on in their head when they meet women in clubs, bars and brothels?" -Siriporn Skrobanek of the Foundation for Women in Bangkok