Women selling sex on social media
STUDENTS and housewives are selling sex through social media sites, a documentary reveals.
They have embraced groundbreaking technology to advertise legally, make bookings and vet clients, rather than walk the streets or work in illegal brothels.
Presenter Louis Theroux followed several women in this enterprise, asking whether selling sex is psychologically unhealthy and whether the old stigma around prostitution remains.
He explained: “The exchange of sex for money is legal in Britain as long as it does not involve coercion, exploitation or any nature of public nuisance.
“And with the advent of social media and specialist websites it’s on the rise. Technology has made sexual services more accessible than ever before, with every taste catered for.
“Users can see photographs, check reviews, offer feedback. But the age-old question of whether sex should be traded remains.”
One of the women in the documentary is Victoria, the sole provider for her four children after leaving an abusive relationship.
She revealed she could fit the job in during school hours.
Her daughter Sapphire, 14, said: “If she wants to do it then it’s her choice. Nobody should say anything bad about it.
“If you’re in a bank it’s a good job, if you’re a cleaner that is seen as a bad job. It’s one of those jobs people don’t like – because she has children it’s thought to be setting a bad example to them.
“She came from not having a lot to having everything she needs and lots more. I am very proud of her – she is a very good mum.”
Another woman from the show is student Ashley, who revealed she used the money she earned to pay for art school.
She said: “It’s quite fun. It’s like going out, but without the commitment because it’s only an hour and then I can leave.
“I am doing it on my own terms and I feel empowered by it.”
● Louis Theroux: Selling Sex, BBC Two, 9pm today.