Many Bulgarians Believe Prostitutes’ Rights Are Violated

In a survey on the causes of women’s sexual exploitation and trafficking, 70 per cent of male respondents said that the rights of female prostitutes are violated in Bulgaria. The survey has been conducted by the MBMD polling agency, whose Executive Director Mira Yanova unveiled the findings at the BTA National Press Club on Thursday.

The survey was carried out in June among 301 men aged between 20 and 60 years, 265 female prostitutes aged between 16 and 35, and 302 non-prostituting girls aged between 14 and 20.

Female prostitution is acceptable according to 55 per cent of male respondents, but another 37 per cent of such respondents find it unacceptable. Some 45 per cent of men and 21 per cent of non-prostituting girls would approve of a woman working as a prostitute over a short period of time to make money.

Asked whether they have used paid sexual services, 74 per cent of men answered negatively, 17 per cent answered affirmatively, and 9 per cent gave no answer. According to Yanova, the actual proportion of men who have paid for sex is larger, probably between 20 and 30 per cent.

Among the reasons for using paid sexual services, 40 per cent of men listed "search for new sexual experiences", 31 per cent referred to "problems with one’s partner", 8 per cent said "demonstration of wealth and confidence", and 4 per cent referred to "other reasons".

Some 45 per cent of female prostitutes said their husbands know about their profession, and 22 per cent admitted that their parents know about it. Most prostitutes (88 per cent) believe they can stop working as such.

A number of questions asked in the survey pertained to violence in the family. Some 22 per cent of male respondents find it acceptable for a man to hit or beat his female partner. The proportion is even higher among younger men (25 to 30 years of age). Such behaviour is also acceptable according to 7 per cent of non-prostituting girls.

Asked whether they know the meaning of the term "trafficking in people", 81 per cent of men said they do, and so did 76 per cent of prostitutes and 70 per cent of non-prostituting girls.

Trafficking in women was identified as a problem of all society by 61 per cent of men and 62 per cent of non-prostituting girls. Another 18 per cent of men and 17 per cent of girls believe it is a personal problem of the women concerned.

BTA