NCJ Number
96205
Date Published
1985
Length
304 pages
Annotation
The relationship of prostitution to runaway behavior, child abuse and neglect, pornography, and other types of sexual exploitation is examined.
Abstract
Two distinct subcultures of male prostitution are characterized: the peer-delinquent subculture, in which prostitution is just another way of making money, and the gay subculture, in which prostitution offers a sexual outlet. Typically, the home situations of these prostitutes are unstable, and their backgrounds often involve a considerable variety of caretakers and living situations. A majority of adolescent male prostitutes have been arrested for theft offenses and, to a lesser extent, for prostitution-related and status offenses. Research findings on female prostitution are reviewed, and male and female adolescent prostitution are compared. Both male and female adolescent prostitutes range in age from 12 to 18, and come from all socioeconomic backgrounds. The majority of both male and female adolescent prostitutes are Caucasian, and approximately 70 to 75 percent come from homes broken by divorce or separation. Physical and sexual abuse characterize the childhood histories of both the males and females. The law's response to the problem of juvenile prostitution is analyzed, and recent statutory reforms that address juvenile prostitution on the Federal and State levels are highlighted. Various community and program responses to juvenile prostitution are considered, especially responses of are considered, especially responses of law enforcement agencies, the medical profession, and community services. An appendix contains State statutes. Included are 119 references, 2 figures, and 8 tables.