Prostitution is often described as “the world’s oldest profession”, and accepted as an unavoidable component of many societies. In Austria, prostitution is legalised and subject to defined regulations. As a result, there is a widespread assumption that the women involved in prostitution enter the industry of their own will. This article takes a critical look at the assumption that women in Austria become sex workers voluntarily.
Myth 1: Prostitution is a conscious decision freely taken
The belief that women enter prostitution voluntarily contradicts many reports based on experience. Sandra Norak, a former prostitute from Austria, describes how she was forced into prostitution through the “Loverboy Method”. This method describes a perfidious tactic in which young women are deliberately tricked into emotional dependence by men – the so-called “loverboys”. Through apparent love affairs, these men gain the trust of their victims in order to gradually force them into prostitution. As a result, many women enter prostitution not of their own free will, but due to this psychological manipulation.
Myth 2: Prostitution is an economic decision for a better life
Another myth claims that women consciously decide to enter prostitution in order to be financially independent or achieve a better standard of living for themselves. The reality shows, however, that many women end up in prostitution as a result of extreme poverty or financial need. Reports from Austria suggest that a large number of prostitutes come from Eastern European countries, where they have hardly any perspectives. Their so-called “voluntary decision” is often a predicament resulting from a lack of alternatives. Economic pressure forces many women to enter a system which, in the long term, will do them more damage than benefit.
Myth 3: Prostitution is a normal profession like any other
Proponents of prostitution often argue that it is a “normal job”, which women can exercise like any other activity. Actually, the reality is far-removed from this impression. Surveys show that the majority of women in prostitution suffer from health-related and psychological consequences, including violence, traumatisation and depression. Most prostitutes do not experience their work as self-determined, but as stressing and humiliating. The comparison with other professions ignores the massive risks and the structural coercion to which many women are exposed.
Myth 4: In Austria, you can escape prostitution anytime you want
Many people think that women, especially in a country like Austria, have the option to leave prostitution anytime, should they want to do so. But numerous reports show that for many of those affected, it is almost impossible to escape the sex industry. Alongside financial dependencies, psychological factors and social stigmatisation play a major role. Women who wanted to get out of the industry often find themselves confronted with threats from pimps or clients. There is also a lack of sufficient offers of help and alternatives to make a secure new start possible. The myth that it’s possible to get out at any time ignores the structural hurdles and existential fears of those affected.
Myth 5: A ban on purchasing sex damages women
Opponents of a ban on purchasing sex often claim that such a ban would worsen the situation of prostitutes. Countries such as Sweden, which have introduced the so-called “Nordic Model”, show the opposite, however: Demand for prostitution falls, human trafficking is reduced, and there is greater state support for people getting out of the industry. The Nordic Model does not criminalise prostitutes themselves, but the buyers of sexual services. Women who want to get out of prostitution receive better offers of help, while the focus is on reducing demand for commercially-available sex. A ban on prostitution, therefore, tends to protect rather than endanger the women affected.
Conclusion: The reality of prostitution in Austria
Legalisation of prostitution in Austria has not led to an improved situation for the women impacted. Instead, it is poverty, violence and psychological dependencies are the crucial factors forcing women into this world. In many cases, the concept of “voluntary prostitution” is an illusion which conceals the true backgrounds. A look at countries with more restrictive measures, such as Sweden, shows that reducing demand for prostitution can be an effective means of releasing women from this exploitation. There is an urgent need for better support for women wishing to escape prostitution and a social rethink to combat the structural causes of prostitution.
Translated by Tim Lywood
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