Post by admin on Nov 6, 2007 1:54:16 GMT -5
88% buying sex will stop if put on register PDF Print E-mail
ImageA SCOTTISH study of men who buy sex from prostitutes has found most would be deterred if their names were put on the sex offenders register as punishment.
Preliminary findings from interviews with more than 100 men aged 18-77, who had kerb-crawled, used saunas and illegal brothels for sexual services, found 88% would stop using prostitutes if "named and shamed" on the register, used to identify anyone cautioned, convicted or released from prison for sex offences.
The Glasgow-based Scottish Women's Group, which campaigns to protect women and children, paid the "punters" £20 each to be interviewed after they responded to adverts in newspapers.
They were questioned about circumstances in which they bought sex, their personal relationships, views about women in the sex trade and what they thought were the most effective punishments. It formed part of an international study, including research into male users in India, Spain and the US.
Researchers found 85% of men would be deterred if their photographs and/or names were displayed on billboards following conviction for kerb-crawling, which became an offence under laws brought into force last week. Some 83% said they would not seek paid sex if their details were published in local newspapers, and 77% said they same if they were "named and shamed" on the internet.
Researchers found 68% and 69% of men respectively would be deterred by heavier fines, such as those introduced with the new laws, or if their vehicles were impounded.
However, 55% said being forced to attend an educational scheme to learn about the damage prostitution does to women would not stop them.
Jan Macleod, development officer with the Women's Support Project, warned prostitutes face being criminalised if the register was used for kerb-crawlers and other sex users.
She said: "Naming and shaming men would clearly have a huge impact, but I would not like to see women put on the register."
One "punter" said: "Police came and said move out or we'll get your number plate and write to your wife. Last time I went, in fact - it was a strong deterrent for me."
The study revealed 85% of the men believed women were forced into sex, and were aware of the harm it caused to women, families and communities. Despite that, a similar percentage wanted prostitution to be legalised in Britain.
One man who took part in the study said: "They've got to go out and out earn money, the majority of time that's the only way they can make money. They maybe need money for a drug problem or maybe get enough for another job."
Another male "punter" said prostitutes "are just there to satisfy your sexual urges".
Lynn Anderson, of the Scottish Coalition Against Sexual Exploitation, who interviewed many of the men, said: "They don't see the harm of women having unwanted sex day in, day out, and that such legalisation is not just about reducing the risk of sexually transmitted diseases."
Almost half the men, who were an average age of 37, had marriages or partners and many claimed prostitutes shored up their relationships by satisfying their need for sex.
A breakdown of the preliminary results found 76% bought sex indoors and 56% outside; 53% were Christian, 1% Muslim and 5% had other religious affiliations, although 40% had no beliefs.
The survey was carried out for Dr Melissa Farley of the Prostitution, Research & Education (PRE) group in San Francisco.
Pauline McNeill, Labour's shadow justice secretary, described the research as interesting. She said: "The focus must be on encouraging the courts to use the full powers made available to them. I also expect there to be more convictions as a direct result."
Elaine Smith, Labour MSP and gender reporter to the Scottish Parliament's equal opportunities committee, said it showed the need to "educate and find out from men what lies beneath these attitudes". She added: "Work like this helps challenge demand when they start thinking it's more than simply a business deal or money changing hands."
The government is currently consulting focus groups of men who use prostitutes for a campaign. A spokesman said no date had been set for its launch.
The preliminary results of the study will be released at Challenging Demand 2, a conference organised by the Scottish Women's Group on Wednesday in the Teacher Building, St Enoch Square, Glasgow. For details contact 0141 552 2221.
www.sundayherald.com/news/heraldnews/display.var.1775350.0.88_buying_sex_will_stop_if_put_on_register.php