Ramifications of Shutting Down Brothels

Hi Friends,

I recently received a petition from a community group that I am connected to in Washington, DC. The petition below, www.change.org/petitions/tell-prominent-washington-dc-landlord-to-stop-leasing-to-illegal-brothels#?opt_new=t&opt_fb=f is posted on Change. org. When I received this e-mail, I immediately began thinking about what the ramifications that shutting down this brothel would have on the women in the brothel.

As a social work student, I first and foremost think about empowering the group that I am trying to assist. According to MY value system, I do not think not agree that women should remain in a situation where they have been trafficked. But.... this is MY value system. Therefore, I would want to know what THESE women want, and what they feel are the best solutions.

I would also consider the following points:

a. The women in the brothel may not want it shut down immediately because this would put them in a worse off position than before. If there are not the proper social services in place to help them, then they may end up in a trafficking cycle again (if this is indeed trafficking). This often happens.

b. Are their proper local social services available to support these women once they are taken out of the brothel? If not, then they may end up in another trafficking situation very easily.

c. Will the women be forced according to current trafficking laws to testify against their traffickers and do they want to do this?

d. What benefits will the women get if they are certified as trafficking victims and are these social benefits sufficient to really help these women attain true autonomy and independence?

In making these points, I am NOT saying that I do not agree with the petition that it is wrong for this businessman to be renting out his space to a known brothel, but these are points to consider.

Additionally, I would question if it is a proper approach for our group to target shutting down the brothel immediately OR if we should go about this a different way?

Human trafficking is a VERY complex issue with no easy answers, and therefore (in my opinion) we need to consider ALL sides of the matter.

Finally, I would simply remember the idea that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Therefore, we need to think hard about what that reaction would be before we take an action.

Thanks for listening everyone and I encourage you to post your comments on my blog. I just ask that everyone be respectful and open to hearing other sides.

Best,
Shelley