Social perception often associates 'escorts' with high-end sex work, a label many professionals use to distance themselves from the stigma of prostitution. According to UAB professor Lorena Garrido, the key lies in the concept of "consent," arguing that sexual or sexo-affective exchanges can be a conscious choice, even without desire, and comparing it to other vulnerable professions.
Although professionals like Lucía defend their choice as "companions" rather than prostitutes, stating they decide "when, how, and with whom" to be, CIS data indicates that most Spaniards view prostitution as a form of violence and a threat to dignity.
Encounters do not always involve sex; some professionals spend a significant portion of their time accompanying clients to dinners or social events, acting as "actresses" to meet expectations. Andrea, who started at 15 in Colombia out of necessity, now admits the profession can also breed "greed" and that personal and family obligations take priority, even rejecting offers to leave the job.
“"In our imagination, 'escorts' are a way to name high-end sex work. Many people use this concept because it's a way to identify it without the stigma that prostitution carries."
The lack of clear regulation in Spain, with an "abolitionist" stance that prohibits advertising and hinders legal practice, leads to a lack of protection. Professor Garrido points out that "invisibility and criminalization" make it harder to report assaults and increase vulnerability, potentially pushing workers towards exploitation networks.
Begoña Martínez, a lawyer from the Municipal Unit against Human Trafficking (UTEH) of the Barcelona City Council, confirms the harsh realities of deceived women who arrive in Catalonia under false promises, becoming victims of trafficking and exploitation, such as the case of seven young Venezuelan women who denounced an exploitative couple.
“"Coming from abroad and starting to work freely as an 'escort' is not easy"
The feminist debate is divided between prohibition and regulation. While some professionals contribute to social security, others work "off the books," like 'sugar babies.' The need for regulation to prevent lack of protection and criminalization is a recurring demand to ensure dignified conditions in a profession that, according to professionals, "existed, exists, and will exist."
