A comparison of pimp- and non-pimp-controlled women

A study of 50 incarcerated urban prostitutes finds that 40% have been under the control of a pimp. Pimp-controlled prostitutes are more likely to be single, to have jailed to complete high school, to be non-White, to have never held a legitimate job, and to come from exceptionally dysfunctional families. Pimp-controlled prostitutes were younger when they had their first sexual experience,first used illegal drugs, and first engaged in prostitution. Pimp-controlled prostitutes are also more likely to be the victims of violence from customers, suggesting that the pressure to make extra money to support the pimp exposes these women to additional risk. Because of these accumulated adverse experiences, this group may require additional, long-term interventions.