Whorehouse is a general term for a venue that caters to the business of providing sexual services. Such services are typically procured from prostitutes in the form of prostitution, sometimes referred to as ‘the oldest profession’. Whorehouses are not exclusive to depictions in films, literature and other forms of popular culture. The actual reality of these establishments form a historic part of the business of many locations around the world.
Whorehouses can now be found in virtual and physical forms and have often existed on the edges of mainstream society. Usually, when physical establishments, are thought of, they can be found in seedy locations. Generally, they are associated with the adult entertainment industry. In most countries, whorehouses are illegal to operate, as most nations have laws in place against prostitution and operating a whorehouse.
In a broad sense, whorehouses are defined as establishments, which serve to facilitate prostitution. According to an international declaration in relation to the Right of the Child, it is defined as “any premises, building or other place or any vehicle, vessel or stall used or owned or controlled by any person, for the purpose of prostitution or any other form of sexual exploitation”.
Whorehouses exist in both urban and rural settings and may operate in one location or may expand to multiple locations. Whorehouses typically focuses their services primarily on the prevention of exploitation and human trafficking. Some establishment such as red-light districts or ‘prostitution bars’, focusing on patrons looking for sex services, while other establishments such as erotic massage parlours, focus on providing therapeutic and non-sexual massage services to paying clients.
Whorehouses typically operate by charging a fee for access to their services. These fees may include a flat fee for entry, as well as additional fees for services provided. Often times, these fee may be repackaged as VIP memberships, or provide a menu of services and their prices. The fees charged at whorehouses are generally higher than those charged at other venues offering similar services, such as strip clubs or massage parlors.
Whorehouses also tend to employ staff to ensure customers have the best possible experience. These staff typically range from bouncers and security, to those who handle the payment of fees and providing customers with extra services. As this staff can be an integral part of the business model, the recruitment process of such staff often involves a thorough background check, with a review of previous work experience.
For centuries, there has been debate about the legal implications and moral value of prostitution and whorehouses. In most countries, legislation restricts certain activities which could be seen as a form of prostitution, such as soliciting for sex or engaging in escort services. Such laws have often lead to an increase in policing activities targeting whorehouses and prostitution in an attempt to reduce sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
Additionally, many prostitution advocates have argued that criminalizing whorehouses would only lead to increased exploitation of sex workers by those willing to take advantage of a lack of protection for those in the profession. This is why many countries have legalized prostitution, but still allow for the policing of whorehouses in order to reduce the risk of exploitation. Additionally, some countries have created legal frameworks which allow for whorehouses to operate and provide services while meeting certain safety requirements and regulations, such as licensing and regulation.
In conclusion, whorehouses have been in existence around the globe for centuries. Whorehouses can be found in many countries, both traditionally in physical form and in the virtual form of online venues, and continue to operate under various legal frameworks. Regardless of their form, whorehouses perpetuating exploitation of individuals, and despite the various attempts to reduce the risks of exploitation, remain a part of many countries’ business models and economic infrastructure.
