By Saa Matthias D BENDU
There is a very strong link between prostitution and drug use; while drug use usually precede prostitution in adults, vulnerable teenagers may start to abuse after they enter the vice trade, simply because the two environment overlap.
Prostitution, the oldest sin in the history of mankind, is defined as the practice of indulging in promiscuous sexual relation, especially for money. Prostitution often involves young girls and teenagers, as well as adult women
Historically women have been often recognized as prostitutes, however, there have always been male prostitutes, and it has increased in numbers. Male prostitutes receive less public attention in Sierra Leone and most West African countries. Historical records also demonstrate that prostitution has existed in various forms for over thousands of years. There are wide spectrums in which prostitution is practiced, including escort service (hand bag), brothels (homes or business centres where clients visit – most common for young prostitutes and homeless drug and substance abusers. The connection between drug abuse and prostitution is strong; with majority prostitutes being confirmed abusers of alcohol and illegal drugs.
It’s an open secret that majority of young men and women who enter into prostitution have been physically or sexually abused. Childhood victimization doubles the odds of entry into prostitution throughout their lives of many women. Many of those working as prostitutes are subjected to ongoing physical and sexual violence as well. Which in itself, acts as an incentive to abuse alcohol and drug as a means of anesthetizing experience authoritatively. It’s a fact that prostitutes suffer from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological stress disorders because of the nature of the work. Mental disorders are often linked to drug abuse, a way to self –medicate symptoms or feelings.
One of the primary health concerns related to prostitution is the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s), including HIV; which can lead to AIDs. Drug-injecting prostitutes are at particular risk of contracting HIV through sharing of needles. Many prostitutes and their clientele are unwilling to use condoms for a verity of reasons, including lack of pleasure and lack of concern about the transmission of STD. As prostitution and illegal drug business flourish in Sierra Leone, there is also an alarming increase in the spread of HIV across the country.
I hope somebody is listening!