Could the world’s oldest profession be the newest solution to Spain's jobs crisis?
“Immediate opportunity! Professional prostitution classes. Very profitable occupation for both sexes.”
This ad, targeting the nearly 25% of unemployed people in Spain, appeared last May in the streets of Valencia.
The Spanish daily ABC reports that the training lasts one week and offers both theoretical and practical classes for those interested in pursuing this line of work.
Some classes, for example, focus on the history of prostitution, how it evolved through the years, how it is practiced in Spain as well as all over the world, the revenue it generates, and the related legislation. Two hours of practical classes each day allow students to practice on sex toys and familiarize themselves with the Kama Sutra.
The qualifications required to apply aren't terribly demanding: be at least 18, have a great presence, and not be shy.
The total price for the classes? 100 euros, including materials. For diligent students, the company ensures immediate job offers: To begin, he or she will be qualified to become a teacher in the school. A world of opportunity will follow, “because this job allows to obtain a lot of money easily and rapidly,” according to the ad.
Prostitution, or more specifically offering sexual favors in exchange for money, is legal in Spain. However, the pimping and trafficking of people is illegal.
This week, French website Rue 89 disclosed that a judicial inquiry was initiated last summer by the government of Valencia to determine whether the training represented a case of aggravated procuring, or pimping. The judges deliberated that no conclusive elements were found to prove that the classes were dedicated to minors or that they promoted prostitution.
After a few months of suspension, however, it seemed the company got back to business. Once again, recruiting ads were plastered all over the city.
When Rosana Crespo, ABC's reporter called for further information she was told, “for practical exercises, it is better to turn to sex professionals in an apartment in the neighborhood of Ruzafa. There, they will show students what to do, how to do it and where to do it.”
Two days later, when Rue 89 contacted the same number, the information given suddenly changed.
“There must have been a mistake (...) I received at least 70 phone calls today, I don’t know what you are talking about.”
“That is untrue. They had even given me an appointment when I told them I was interested. Because the regional authorities are back on their lead, they are being very careful,” added Crespo when asked to comment by Rue 89.
Since the resumption of classes, some members of different regional political parties are asking for the case to be reexamined.
However, not much can be done. The national police have said that “no offence has been committed. If a minor were to denounce them, or if someone confesses to practice prostitution under the constraint of violence, this could change.”
There are between 200,000 and 400,000 prostitutes in Spain, reports Rue 89. An estimated 90 percent are victims of sexual trafficking.
“We don’t have more specific data because there are no records of people practicing prostitution,” explains Hetaira, an advocacy organization for prostitutes.
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