Male Sex Work and the Internet Effect: Time to Re-Evaluate the Criminal Law?

The criminal law relating to sex work was last modified in the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Three years later in January 2006 the UK government published a ‘prostitution strategy’ that set out four core aims: challenge the view that street prostitution is inevitable and here to stay; achieve an overall reduction in street prostitution; improve the safety and quality of life of communities affected by prostitution, including those directly involved in street sex markets, and finally, to reduce all forms of commercial sexual exploitation. This framework prima facie failed to take into account both the issue of male sex work and also the Internet effect upon sex work. This article seeks to examine the intersection of technology and male for male sex work and reviews both the criminal law and UK policy framework in that context.

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“Strive harder and don't lose hope”: sexual exploitation of male youth in the sex trade in Manila

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy ◽

10.1108/ijssp-05-2020-0189 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Jarrett D. Davis ◽

Glenn Michael Miles

Keyword(s):

Sex Work ◽

Sexual Exploitation ◽

Sex Industry ◽

Sex Trade ◽

Male Youth ◽

Content Type ◽

Male Sex Work ◽

Wide Range ◽

Metro Manila ◽

Male Sex

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to understand the vulnerabilities of male youth in the sex trade in Manila, Philippines. Using purposive and a modified respondent-driven sampling methodology, interviews were conducted with 51 young males working as masseurs in the Metro Manila area exploring a wide range of their experiences and vulnerabilities throughout the work including physical, sexual and emotional violence. The mixed method, mostly qualitative research is based on similar surveys conducted throughout the South and South Asia regions.Design/methodology/approachResearch on sexual exploitation of boys and men has largely focused on sexual health and prevention of HIV (Human Rights Watch Philippines, 2004). This research uniquely focuses on a broader range of vulnerabilities for males in the sex trade.FindingsQualitative discussions reveal instances of forced sex that can take a variety of forms, including physical force and/or violence or coercion involving bribes, verbal abuse or other forms of pressure to provide sexual services. Data also demonstrate stigma and discrimination outside of sex work. This study provides a qualitative assessment of the broader male-to-male sex industry within the Metro-Manila area, including escort services and both direct and indirect male sex work.Originality/valueFor observers, who consider male sexual abuse to be free of violence or discrimination, this provides evidence to the contrary and considerations for organizations that are able to provide funding to support their needs. Education of those involved in addressing the prevention of sexual exploitation should include gendered differences.

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