Germany is known as the bordello of Europe. It is a hard-won title. Prostitution, in all its forms, is legal in Germany, and has been since the end of the Second World War. Recently, though, attitudes have been changing. The men, aged between 18 and 89, were a generally diverse group, ranging from the unemployed and men in unskilled, low-income jobs, through to high-end professionals.
The punters provided candid information about their attitudes, behaviours and motivations when it comes to paying for sex. They were asked questions like how does legalisation operate? Does it make the women safer? Has it resulted in a reduction in trafficking?
The research, spearheaded by psychologist Dr Melissa Farley , marks the final part of a six-country study on punters, built on data from lengthy interviews with men in the USA, Cambodia, England, India, Scotland and Germany. And, despite government attempts to regularise the sex trade, barely any pimps paid taxes: as few as 44 out of 80, prostituted women registered themselves as such, despite it being a legal requirement. By Julie Bindel. We still had to do what we were told.
In Germany, prostitution is seen as a necessity for men, and almost good for wider society. But because they can use prostitutes, there are fewer sexual offences. Many of the German punters interviewed have seen evidence of coercion, terror and violence towards the women. Regardless, they would all pay for sex.
One argument used by those in favour of legalisation is that if the men know they are not going to be arrested for buying sex, they would be far more likely to report any evidence of trafficking and underage girls being exploited. However, only one of the 96 German punters interviewed had reported evidence of trafficking to police. By Sarah Ditum. Many were, having seen pimps routinely commit violent acts that meet international definitions of torture. With the fist two or three times in the face and thrown her against the wall.
