Local Campaign Against Sexual Exploitation



Sample Letter

Mr. Aaron Julien
President and CEO
Newspapers of New England, Inc.
One Monitor Drive
Concord, NH 03302

Dear Mr. Brown:

I am writing to encourage you to free the Valley Advocate of its ads for escort services and other sexually exploitative enterprises that compromise its progressive mission.

Many of the escort ads in the Advocate appear to be blatant come-ons for prostitution. Most prostituted women lead miserable lives. They often come from abusive homes, in urgent need of food and shelter. Addictions are rampant. They are typically kept under tight control by pimps through fear, violence and drugs. Earnings for most are low. A recent study in Chicago found that the typical woman in prostitution who works year round generates less than $20,000. In return, they can expect an annual average of a dozen incidents of violence and 300 instances of unprotected sex. Johns commonly feel that the exchange of money relieves them of any obligation to be humane.

Many people believe that those in prostitution freely choose this life for themselves. The reality is that most want to get out: 92% according to one global study. Even in Nevada's legal brothels, more than 80% of those interviewed said they wanted to leave prostitution. Seeing no easy escape, many women in prostitution simply try to end their lives. One study found that 75% of women in escort prostitution had attempted suicide, and that prostituted women comprised 15% of all completed suicides reported by hospitals.

I urge the Valley Advocate to fulfill its progressive mission and cease profiting from the sexual exploitation of women and girls. In New York City, the National Organization for Women has persuaded over a dozen publications to refuse sex ads. I hope you will follow suit.

Sincerely,



[Your name]



Additional Individuals to Contact:

Tom Vannah
Editor, The Valley Advocate
115 Conz Street
Northampton, MA 01060-4426


Jim Foudy
Publisher
DHG/Valley Advocate
115 Conz Street
Northampton, MA 01060-4426