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Youth Prostitution - A Balance of Power

NCJ Number
103834
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 30 Issue: 3 Dated: (1986) Pages: 237-244
Author(s)
R J McMullen
Date Published
1986
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the experience youth of central London, England, encounter and possible variables associated with beginning the life of a prostitute.
Abstract
There is a high correlation of early child sexual abuse and early entry into prostitution. Other factors attributed to the etiology of child prostitution are socioeconomic, unemployment experiences, educational experiences, attitude formations, confidence levels, family scapegoating, etc. Self-loathing and personality damage are essential prerequisites to entering prostitution. Partial rationale may be a poorly experienced and underdeveloped sense of personal power or a feeling of being inconsequential to anyone or anything. Lack of economic power may be another motivating factor. Included is a description of a therapeutic intervention program that develops a sense of trust and building of self-confidence to put clients back in control of their lives. 1 reference. (Author abstract modified)