Le proxénétisme au féminin : étude sur le rôle des femmes dans le recrutement de prostituées à Montréal
Although the role of women in the recruitment of prostitutes is not a new phenomenon, few  studies have focused on it. The interest in this research relies on the lack of knowledge of this problem, although seemingly present in contemporary Quebec society. Using interviews with 15 stakeholders from police services, community organizations or youth centres, we recorded information on 26 cases of women who recruit for prostitution. The analysis of different criteria allowed us to classify them into three categories: partners, go-betweens and madams.  Unlike go-betweens and madams, partners are in a relationship with a male accomplice. Like madams, all partners have a past in prostitution, while some go-betweens have never participated in the sex industry before. The partners play a role in the management and control of the victims, which is generally not the case with the go-betweens. The madams have several responsibilities for the management of at least one erotic establishment. Most partners also use violence and threats to control their victims, while the madams use more subtle techniques.  Although there are several incentives that motivate recruiters to find new recruits, monetary benefits or material gains are the only expressed for the three profiles. With few exceptions, each profile runs in a predetermined recruiting process. For the partner, it is targeting a vulnerable girl, to offer her a safe environment to stay and then, glamorize the positive aspects to initiate a relationship with her. The crucial step is when the partner asks for a monetary contribution from the victim and then introduced her into prostitution. The recruitment process of the go-betweens is similar to that of the partners, except for the crucial step that will put the recruit in contact with a male pimp or gang members. The role of the go-betweens usually ends at this point. For her part, the madams will usually find her recruits in ads in the newspaper or on the Web and through her contacts with organized crime.
Prostitution Female procuring Recruitment