As you know, prostitution is considered one of the oldest professions. According to many researchers, it arose as a result of deep socio-economic and moral deformations of public consciousness.
Definition
The concept of prostitution is not disclosed in the legislation. In this regard, specialists studying this phenomenon are trying to formulate their definitions.
For example, Zhukhovitsky believes that prostitution is a body trade. Such a definition is considered generally accepted.
In a literal translation from Latin, the word means "loss of honor, desecration."
There is another definition. Prostitution is a form of sexual extramarital affairs, not based on sensual attraction or personal inclination. In this case, the key incentive for this is earnings.
The ambiguity of society
Prostitution is a unique social phenomenon. This phenomenon has been studied throughout its entire existence. At the same time, neither in antiquity, nor at the present time there is an unequivocal attitude of society towards this phenomenon.
Prostitutes were persecuted, but at the same time they were praised by poets, they were muses for artists. They were either sentenced to prison or execution, then allowed to openly engage in craft.
In some historical periods, the authorities of various states took tough measures to eradicate prostitution. This, however, usually did not bring the desired result. Despite the prohibitions, prostitution has firmly entered the system of public relations.
Babylon
All the women who were born in it should have visited the temple of Melitta at least once. They remained in it until one of the strangers threw a certain amount of money into their lap and invited them to taste all the delights of love. The money that was received in this way was sacred.
Ancient Armenia
In this state, Anais was the goddess of prostitution. Her temple was very similar to the temple of Melitta. Noble strangers were accepted in it. A high wall was erected around Anais Temple. She provided protection to women who devoted themselves to serving the goddess.
If the guest decided to marry the girl, she had to leave the temple, leaving all her jewelry and money earned. The most desirable bride was considered to be the one who had the most guests for all the time Anais served.
Greece
In this country, prostitution also arose in antiquity. In the temple of Aphrodite, built opposite her statue, there were holidays, more reminiscent of mass orgies. All proceeds from such events were transferred to the temple.
In Greece, getters enjoyed special respect and reverence. These were women who led a free lifestyle. Married women were always reclusive. Their betrayals were not allowed and severely punished. Heterosexuals were free, had a good education, knew how to dance, sing, play music. A love affair with a public woman was considered the norm.
Subsequently, getters lost their original status. They began to equate her with a fallen woman, a prostitute who was forced to sell her body because of poverty.
In Greece, as in other states, religious prostitution was widespread. Its development led to the fact that the practice of prostitution was legalized at the legislative level. This activity has become one of the major revenue items of the state budget. The first brothel was built in Athens. His visit was paid, but the amount was available to all citizens.
Brothels in Greece were inviolable.
The hierarchy of prostitutes
The most interesting representatives of enlightened or aesthetic prostitution. Such girls were skilled singers, dancers, they knew how to play music. The state did not establish any restrictions on prostitution for them. Aesthetic prostitutes made up the aristocratic core. These women were constantly surrounded by poets, sages, playwrights. Prostitutes studied philosophy and other sciences.
Official hierarchies also stood out in the hierarchy. Some prohibitions applied to them. For example, they were not allowed to travel to another state for permanent residence.
Italy
In this country, prostitution was part of a religious cult. One of the oldest temples of prostitutes is the temple of Venus. Women gathered near its walls and waited for their fans.
In the Latin language you can find many synonyms that designate prostitutes of different categories. This circumstance confirms the widespread occurrence of prostitution in ancient Italy. In Rome, she flourished not only in churches and streets, but also in theaters. The most notable and wealthy prostitutes were called courtesans.
France
In this country, prostitution began to spread in the eleventh century. On the periphery, there were “red light districts” - streets where almost all houses were public.
Until the XV century. prostitution was not encouraged, but, in any case, was not prohibited by the authorities. However, the situation has changed dramatically with the onset of the spread of syphilis and other diseases. The regime of tolerance that existed for a rather long period was replaced by strict restrictions, repressions, and punishments for prostitution .
Thus, the police charter provided for prosecution for any extramarital cohabitation. Under Maria Theresa, the fight against prostitution was waged with shameful punishments. So, the caught prostitute was shaved bald and smeared with tar, placed in a bag, from which only her head peeked out. Each passerby could do what he wanted. Similar punishments have become very popular and have been used for quite some time.
The situation in France in the XVII-XVIII centuries.
In the XVII century, a ban on prostitution was introduced, and severe punishment was applied to the women caught. However, the public, mainly its male part, began protests. As a result, at the end of the XVIII century. the government was forced to significantly weaken control and mitigate punishments.
Other countries in Europe followed the example of France. A period of tolerance has come. However, police and medical supervision was established. The laws of states introduce special rules governing this type of activity. Thus legal prostitution arose.
Society as a whole came to terms with this phenomenon, but tried to restrain its spread. The regulation of prostitution meant the need for registration, medical examinations, and the stay of prostitutes in strictly designated places. If necessary, women had to undergo treatment.
Situation today
Despite the absence of a formal ban on prostitution, in France it is considered one of the main vices of society. Moreover, as polls show, in its ban many no longer see an attempt on democratic foundations.
A variety of measures are being taken against the spread of prostitution. French law, for example, prohibits pandering and pimping. If it turns out that the wife is a prostitute, the effect of regulations will extend to the husband.
Taxi drivers, owners of cafes, hotels, and nightclubs are brought to justice for involvement in prostitution . It is worth saying that today many prostitutes advocate a return to the previously existing rules on closed brothels in which they could feel under the protection of not only the state, but also medicine.
Public organizations also oppose prostitution in France. Numerous women's unions, trade unions, Catholic communities and other associations believe that the legalization of brothels will lead to the recognition by the authorities of discrimination against women.
Considering the reasons for the spread of prostitution - parental cruelty, drunkenness, childhood rape, etc., the French government sees the solution to the problem not so much in prohibitions as in the implementation of preventive measures.
Prostitution in Russia
In the domestic media it is rarely possible to find publications on the origin, development, causes of prostitution. Before the revolution, more attention was paid to this topic. She did not lose sight in the first few years after the establishment of Soviet power. After a while, the discussion of the problem somewhat subsided. However, this does not mean that prostitution has ceased to exist in Russia .
Today, domestic experts put forward a variety of points of view on the origin and development of this phenomenon in the country. Such a variety of approaches is associated primarily with the fact that throughout history there have been no people who would be engaged in the study of prostitution from beginning to end. Meanwhile, this phenomenon has expanded, developed, spreading throughout the vast country.
Special Sanitary Committee
It was formed in Minsk in 1891. OSK was obliged to not only control sanitary cleanliness in the city, but also supervise prostitutes. At that time, 8 brothels were officially operating in Minsk. Illegally, of course, there were more of them. As a rule, houses of tolerance were located near hotels or were parts of them.
By the end of the XIX century. in Russia there were more than 1200 brothels, more than 17.5 thousand prostitutes worked.
After a wave of syphilis swept the country, authorities and USC began to take drastic measures. Specially authorized employees caught prostitutes and transferred to compulsory treatment. A system for monitoring and observing women was established. A special case was instituted for each of them. Lists of women were formed who were "promiscuously promoted."
In 1897, work began on creating a regulatory framework for measures to control prostitution. A special commission and a medical police committee were established.
The situation in the twentieth century.
At the beginning of the century, as you know, there was a war. Provincial cities were filled with troops and refugees. The prevailing conditions have become favorable for the spread of prostitution. With great speed brothels began to emerge. Mostly soldiers and lower-ranking officers visited them.
Brothels existed until the revolution. After the Soviets came to power, they tried to abolish them. This triggered large-scale protests. Even cases of owners of houses of tolerance to the authorities with requests to allow them to continue working were recorded. However, such applications were rejected. As a result, prostitution went into the background.
In the early 20's. XX century a normative act was adopted on the non-interference of the government in the personal (sexual in particular) life of citizens. Punishment was established only for violent acts. In the years 1924-28. comprehensive checks of persons suspected of engaging in prostitution have been completed.
Criminal liability
The Criminal Code of 1922 provided for penalties for pandering, involvement in prostitution, and maintenance of brothels. For these acts provided for at least 3 years in prison with confiscation of property. In the Criminal Code of 1926, the term increased to 5 years. However, there was no article on prostitution in the Code.
In 1929, the Central Executive Committee and the Council of People's Commissars adopted an act on counteracting prostitution. It identified the authorities authorized to monitor the implementation of the decision.
In 1935, the Criminal Code of the Union republics was supplemented by an article providing for penalties for the creation, distribution, advertising of publications, images and other objects of pornographic content.
In the postwar years, several more articles appeared in the legislation. For example, a woman engaged in prostitution and having children could be deprived of parental rights. Such a norm was provided for in the Fundamentals of the legislation on family and marriage.
In 1987, administrative responsibility was introduced. Between 1987 and 1989 a huge number of articles appeared on prostitution in newspapers, radio and television programs. Stories and novels ("Intergirl", "Women with binoculars", etc.) were devoted to this topic.
Administrative responsibility
Article 6.11 of the Code of Administrative Offenses provides for punishment for persons engaged in prostitution. For this offense, the perpetrator is charged an administrative fine of 1.5-2 thousand rubles.
Currently, prostitution is classified as antisocial misconduct. Engaging in prostitution is a violation of human rights, entails negative consequences, including, among other things, infection with sexually transmitted diseases.
A person who engages in prostitution voluntarily intentionally commits an offense. It is aware of the danger of its actions, including for its own health.
Qualification Features
If during the consideration of the case the signs of crimes stipulated by the norms 151, 240, as well as Art. 241 of the Criminal Code , when a person is involved in prostitution through the use of threats, blackmail, violence, deception, etc., this person is recognized as a victim. Accordingly, it is not brought to administrative responsibility.
As for the instigators, accomplices, organizers, criminal rules apply to them. For example, the organization of prostitution is punishable under the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. This, in particular, is about the systematic provision of premises, the maintenance of brothels to satisfy sexual needs for a fee. The increased responsibility is borne by persons who attract minors into the field of prostitution. According to Art. 241 of the Criminal Code for them provides for imprisonment of 3-10 years.
Monitoring the execution of sentences
Compliance with the requirements of administrative decisions is monitored by departments of the internal affairs department. For example, in accordance with the Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 900 (from 2002), district police officers are authorized to take measures within their competence in relation to subjects involved in prostitution.
The objective and subjective side
The object of an administrative offense under Article 6.11 is public morality, the rule of law and the health of citizens. The objective aspect of the act is expressed in actions aimed at the systematic entry of men and women into promiscuous sexual relations for a fee.