Why People Solicit Sex

Courtney Schmackers, BA & Christopher Stollar, MJ | September 21 | 11:15 am-12:15 pm

Topic: Programming, Research | Knowledge Level: Intermediate

This presentation explains data captured from over 10 years of John School programs in central Ohio. The discussion includes a brief overview of human trafficking as an economic transaction, processes survey data from solicitors, and explores effective demand reduction strategies. The main research question was: “Why do people solicit sex?” She Has A Name (SHAN) analyzed over 10 years’ worth of survey data from two “John Schools” or Solicitor Education Programs (SEPs). The surveys included 23 questions and were administered as part of the SEP. Participation was anonymous and voluntary. In total, over 1,000 people participated in Columbus’s SEPs and over 700 completed the survey. In order to determine other beneficial sex trafficking demand reduction strategies outside of SEPs, SHAN reviewed Demand Forum’s list of 15 tactics. Survey responses have informed SHAN’s SEP in developing a more comprehensive and trauma-informed curriculum and methodology. In learning about relationship status and self-declared reasons for purchasing sex, SHAN has expanded education topics to include trauma among buyers and implemented critical thinking activities. If we only care for survivors after the point of exploitation, we will never end human trafficking. Every community that implements any type of human trafficking response should include initiatives to reduce the demand for paid sex. Just as we implement individualized, “whole person”, trauma-informed approaches to victim/survivor care, we should consider the same approach in caring for those who raise the demand for sex trafficking.

Presentation Objectives:

·  Understand why reducing the demand for paid sex is a crucial part of the fight against human trafficking

·  Share basic demographics of solicitors and the reasons why they solicited sex

·  Consider potentially effective demand reduction strategies for their unique context

About the Presenters

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Courtney Schmackers, BA

Courtney Schmackers is the executive director of She Has A Name. She has led conversations with JP Morgan Chase's HABIT team, the sustainability department at Abercrombie & Fitch, and others. Courtney graduated summa cum laude from Capital University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Electronic Media and Film, Spanish and Journalism.

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Christopher Stollar, MJ

Christopher Stollar is the vice chair of She Has A Name’s board of directors and has been involved in demand reduction work since 2010. He works directly with men who have been arrested for soliciting through the Solicitor Education program. He has a Master’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Maryland and his Accreditation in Public Relations from the Public Relations Society of America.

2023Anna SchrammCourtney Schmackers, BA & Christopher Stollar, MJ21:11:15