Good question BB. I can only reply by asking another question, Is it their choice? Of course this leads to the next question, Due to circumstances is it their only choice?

Obviously where the prostitute, male or female, is forced by the actions of a third party in to prostitution this must be a form of terrible abuse.

Hi BlueB, your question is making me think a bit more, and maybe that is what questions are for. What is the definition of the word "abuse"?

Main Entry: 1abuse
Pronunciation: \ə-ˈbyüs\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French abus, from Latin abusus, from abuti to consume, from ab- + uti to use
Date: 15th century
1: a corrupt practice or custom
2: improper or excessive use or treatment : misuse
3obsolete : a deceitful act : deception
4: language that condemns or vilifies usually unjustly, intemperately, and angrily
5: physical maltreatment.

1: a corrupt practice or custom? Yes corrupt because it is against a man made law but I believe that this does not apply when the sex act is an agreed transaction between two consenting adults regardless as to what sexual act is asked for and agreed to.

5: physical maltreatment. Yes, very much so if that action was not agreed in advance.

In my opinion there is a lot wrong with the laws regarding prostitution at present and we should start from the point that there has always been paid for sex and that will continue. There should be legal provisions for that "business" to continue in an environment that is safe and healthy for those that wish to sell sex.

Does the fact that paid for sex is available reduce the occurrence of rape?

I must add that I have never used the services of a prostitute although, whilst living in Soho, London, in the late 50s one of my best friends was a prostitute and we shared many conversations about her job and what she thought about her customers.