Sagittarius
We unfortunately lost the lives of the missing women from Downtown Eastside, some of whom I knew. This horrific tragedy will be remembered for decades to come. It was because of this that society wants to change the system.
I've said and am now hearing others say: "The profession of prostitution is not going to go away, so why not do something to help protect women who have chosen to live on the streets to survive?" The profession isn't going to go away, because there's not enough help out there to assist those with low self-esteems and addictions.
I know from experience that pulling tricks everyday for a living wasn't doing my self-esteem any favors. I didn't respect myself, so how could I respect anyone else for that matter. It was all about money, drugs, and the party. Drinking and doing drugs altered my way of thinking, and because I didn't feel good about myself, I lacked motivation to change anything.
Deep down I was ashamed, used and abused by men, and who wants to feel like a piece of meat? I was numb and so were the women that went to the farm for the first and last time. Those that took them there were also numb and cold-hearted, and it was all due to drugs.
During my childhood I never dreamed of becoming a lady of the night or being bashed around by my pimp (ex-husband), let alone other men. When I was raped and taken advantage of when I lost my virginity, I didn't even know what sex was. It wasn't until then that I thought that was all I was good for and many of the girls I worked alongside of on Hastings Street had the same experiences.
COMMENTS (3)
RATE THIS STORY
Nude photos of the MTV reality star surfaced on the...
Through my humanitarian work in Central Africa, I learned that refugee children from...
Comments
There is no doubt that
By John Humes, September 17, 2007 at 11:27There is no doubt that Pauline VanKoll has made many valid observations and that what she says is so true. After all, she has walked the talk.
Some thoughts from recent history about legal sex trade:
I was in Japan at the time prostitution was outlawed. It was not long befor VD and sex crimes became elevated. So much for western morality. The Japanes had things very much under control and we screwed things up.
Take a good look at the state of Nevada.
Another poster pointed out that folks who try to help burn out very fast. I know, I was one of them. There is really nothing one can do to help the ones that are hooked on drugs. Butttt the ones that are clean, if they want can be helped.
Of course that means some sort of education. Office skills, nursing skills and even welding and massanory skills. And truck driving. I have seen these things work.
The only thing needed is money. What the hell, our politicos seem to find money for war and mass destruction, so why can't they find money for the needy at all walks of life?
Enough, I some times just get carried away.
John
You probably knew I'd
By Trina Ricketts, September 12, 2007 at 06:09You probably knew I'd respond to this article. I agree with many of your points. The justice system certainly needs to get tougher on violent criminals, for instance. But there are other things you've said that you already know I don't agree with. First of all, please explain to me how getting tougher on laws around prostitution will help women who want out? We both know it's harder to find a job with a criminal record than without one. It's also less likely a woman would report an assault if she knows she will be criminalized. You referred to "brothels" and I'm assuming you mean such as the cooperative safe sex work space that the BC Coalition of Experiential Communities is working on. Don't you agree that if women had a place to go to provide services where there is an employee on staff, and other safe-guards in place that the likelihood of her being harmed is reduced? You say that people will never stop judging or condemning women who do sex work, but you actually believe that our government is going to create all these programs to help women with self-esteem, poverty, addictions etc? The advocates you seem to insult have been fighting for these things for YEARS, not just since the case of the missing women became public. Funding is scarce. Programs that actually provide services are next to impossible to find funding for. Sure, you can get a grant to do all the research you want, but try running a drop-in with career skills programs. Organizations that are still around are fighting to stay that way. It takes an incredible amount of commitment, blood, sweat, and tears to keep these programs running. And the people involved face constant condemnation and obstacles. They burnout fast and they live with vicarious trauma from seeing the "hell of the Downtown Eastside" or whereever - like you say. You also say that most prostitutes are drug addicts. Where do you get your statistics? Not all sex workers are street-based. And not all street-based sex workers are drug addicts, although drug addiction and poverty do go hand in hand. Speaking of research, did you know that when asked, most street-based sex workers want safe work spaces? They also want more programs to help them get off the street. They want decriminalization so that cops can't keep arresting them and so they can report assaults without going to jail for their outstanding warrants. The fight for decriminalization is not just a fight for the right to do sex work for those who do indeed choose and enjoy their jobs. It is a fight for respect and dignity for those who don't want to do sex work anymore. It's hard to respect yourself when your laws, your society, and your fellow man keep telling you your worthless. If we truly value the lives of all people, then we need to stop criminalizing a population that is simply seeking to survive in a way that is available to them. Sure, let's give them more options. We've all been arguing that for years. But in the meantime, more and more sex workers go missing or are murdered. Maybe society never will stop judging and condemning sex workers. If that is the case, then our fight for decriminalization and a safe sex work space are our best weapons against the violence these men and women face.
You're right, society will
By Pauline Van Koll, September 12, 2007 at 11:47You're right, society will never stop condemning sex workers, I should now, I've left the street and since then have experienced the stereo typing that goes on when they find out what I did for a living in the past.
If a person chooses a life of disrespect, risk, and crime then they will have to face the consequences. "You do the crime, you do the time" If the legal system made it harder for girls to pull tricks then maybe it would lessen the amount of women wanting to throw away their life. Maybe it would lessen the amount of men wanting to degrade women as sexual objects (pieces of meat). Maybe it would open the eyes of our youth that is too hard of a career to get into and they'd make different choices. Who knows? I do know that the conversations I had with the girls I used to work with would voice themselves when we weren't working and the anger and hatred they carried towards the men that picked us up was obvious.
As for non-profit organizations, I used to be involved with Prostitutes Anonymous. I've been involved with other non-profit orgainizations and sure it's not easy, what is these days. However, with determiniation and the willingness to find the right people to even volunteer. I know there are people who would love to change and giving a person the opportunity to learn new skills that would benefit them in a new career. Most people can't afford to go to school and learn skills. Some people from down on the stroll don't have and education or they have a low education. However, it's a step in the right direction for them.
Meetings for N.A., A.A., C.A., P.A. need to be started Downtown Eastside to let people know there is a new way of life and there is someone there to assist those who really want it.
Regarding 'respecting yourself', it has to start with 'you' first. Once you learn to respect/love yourself then the rest falls into place. 'Your fellow man' makes you feel worthless the moment they engage themselves in a transaction.
My ex-sister-in-law was a counsellor downtown eastside. She dealt with the women from the street everyday.
I worked the street and from home and either way I felt like a piece of meat, like I wasn't a person, I wasn't given anyrespect during the decades that I worked as a sex trade worker. The respect that the odd few gave me was foney.