The STOPLight

Who are the customers?

Over the years, Sergeant Larry Lotzer has come in contact with -- and arrested -- many customers of prostitution. "It was really surprising how they represented all walks of life," he said. From customer lists seized while executing search warrants and among those arrested in sting operations, were "men of great social esteem, educated people with professional occupations right on down to laborers, the unemployed, and the criminal types. Most had families and seemed socially well-adjusted. Many customers wanted to convey the image of being a family man, a church go-er -- they were clearly frauds."

When arrested, most customers are embarrassed and feel the arrest will ruin their life, Lotzer says. Most don't think about the possible consequences of their behavior -- and the consequences can be severe. These arrests often cause the break-up of families and marriages. The customers face a fine, the humiliation of public exposure, the embarrassment of a courtroom trial, the penalty of incarceration with possible loss of their job. In some cities their car can be seized or their name posted on the Internet or published in the newspaper.

Why do they do it?

Lotzer feels most customers have never really thought about why they buy sex. "A lot of people, good people, just don't take into account the harm they are doing" -- to the prostitute or their own wives and families. They don't think it's hurting or exploiting anyone. It never occurs to them that they might be sexually addicted or might have unresolved emotional, relational or spiritual issues. Businessmen who say they are going to work early, but stop for sex first, send a clear signal that something is wrong with their relationships at home."

Peer pressure also plays a part. It's easier to go along with co-workers and friends to a strip club or to watch a stag party film than it is to explain why you won't.

What will get them to stop?

"There is probably a combination of things needed to hold people accountable for their behavior," said Lotzer. "Fear of public exposure and embarrassment, the threat of incarceration, the burden of heavy fines are deterrents."

Another deterrent might be to remind a customer that his own daughter could be deceived or coerced into prostitution. When he's tempted, it might help him resist if he pictured his daughter being solicited or used by someone just like him -- a predator. This should quickly take away his lustful thoughts.

"I personally believe in spiritual remedies -- that a person's faith will enable and strengthen them in these circumstances," Lotzer remarked. "Self-denial has to become a part of their life; they can't just succumb to lust or whatever other weakness they may have.

"We have to hold ourselves accountable in lesser ways as well -- frequenting strip bars and similar places sends a message that it's okay to exploit women. It has to start at home. People must realize the messages their behavior sends to children is what keeps this cycle of abuse going. They need to say no to stag party films, to stop frequenting strip joints, to refuse to take part in any activity that leads to being a customer of prostitution.

"Educating customers and future customers -- the sons of these individuals -- that prostitution is harmful to others is a good start. Once they learn this, they can have these discussions -- all of us can -- with our children and really prepare them. If we don't all band together, someday one of our children will get into prostitution-and maybe it will be too late to help them."

by The STOP Light staff