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Prostitution in Barbados

Although the subject of prostitution is one that is very controversial, the reality is that it exists here on the island. The illegality of prostitution in Barbados, does not deny that the practice is known and common. Streetwalkers or workers in night clubs have been known for years and have developed and maintained a steady clientele. However, the occupation of being a sex worker is increasingly becoming a cause for concern as the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and other STDs/STIs continue to wreak havoc in our country. Another branch of this issue which is now raising its ugly head is that of human trafficking. Barbados has recently been put on the US’ human trafficking “watch-list.” This has come against a backdrop of reported cases of child prostitution, domestic servitude, stepfathers and other adults coercing children into “transactional sex”, and the involvement of Guyanese criminals linking with Barbadian and Trinidadian pimps to lure foreign women into the country with offers of legitimate jobs. Just as with the matter of abuse, if left unchecked, prostitution in all its forms will contribute significantly to the moral, emotional and mental break-down of many young women of our society.

ECPAT (2008) suggests that areas of rapid industrial development are often associated with a growth in sex markets to provide sexual services for construction workers, miners, workers from international companies and so on. Teenage girls in particular are often targeted for exploitation and even when foreigners move out, the sex markets often remain and are used by local men (ECPAT, 2008).

For many women who are being forced to prostitute themselves, or for those who have grown tired of the lifestyle, a safe, loving, non-judgmental, empowering facility is necessary.