Childhood victimization and prostitution. A developmental victimology perspective

Abstract

The relationship between childhood victimization and subsequent entry into the sex industry is one of the most controversial topics in the field of victimology. Views on this issue tend to explain prostitution either as a free choice that has been made after weighing up the potential financial rewards compared with those of other employment options, or alternatively, as the result of structural forces of male dominance. However, the decision-making capacity of the individual who enters into sex work can be classified along a continuum ranging from prostitution as a choice to prostitution as the result of coercion. Decisions made in this so-called 'grey area' are strongly influenced by childhood victimization. The aim of the present study is to conduct a critical review of the empirical research on the relationship between childhood victimization and prostitution. Based on the studies reviewed it can be concluded that childhood violence is a key variable to take into account when attempting to understand a person's decision to enter the world of prostitution and sexual commerce. This review shows that ¿ despite the notable rates of victimization that are consistently reported and which need to be acknowledged once and for all ¿ the issue of childhood victimization in prostitutes remains one of the most controversial topics within the discipline.