The History of Prostitution: Its Extent, Causes, and Effects throughout the WorldSanger, William W.
History
The History of Prostitution: Its Extent, Causes, and Effects throughout the World
Sanger, William W.
Prostitution
This institution was founded in 1821 through the exertions of the
Burgomaster Abendroth and others, and was constructed on the model of a
similar asylum in London. The object is to reclaim women from vice by
means that can be applied only in a place expressly dedicated to the
purpose.
The number of inmates is small; only twelve can be received. The business
of the asylum is conducted by a committee, including two ministers, a
physician, three female overseers, and a matron. The overseers are
respectable married women or widows, who voluntarily undertake the duties
of a sub-committee. They assume the direction of the household affairs
alternately for a month each. They meet frequently at the house, assist in
Divine service, and take care of the girls who are discharged. These are
provided with situations or placed in business, and require to be upheld
and maintained in their new character.
The chaplain assists the ladies' committee in their duties, but directs
his energies particularly to the religious instruction of the inmates.
Frequent meetings for prayer are held, and every half year the sacrament
is administered to such as he deems duly prepared to receive it, and who
have a competent knowledge of its importance and efficacy.
To be qualified for admission, the applicant must be young, and must have
a desire to amend. The limited room will not allow the reception of old or
worn-out women, who would flock there in crowds to obtain a shelter under
which they could die in peace. When a woman's application is granted, she
must go through a novitiate of four or eight weeks. During this time she
works and eats with the other inmates, but sleeps alone, and is closely
watched by a member of the committee. When her novitiate expires and she
is fully received, she is requested to give an explicit account of her
life, every particular of which is recorded. Her name is not disclosed to
her companions, but she, as are all the others, is known only by a
Christian name.
The women are employed in all kinds of housework, needlework, or, when
practicable, in any manner which will accustom them to continued physical
exertion. Their previous life having made indolence almost "second
nature," this course is adopted to inculcate the necessity of industry. A
strict account of the produce of their labor is kept, and a portion is set
apart as a fund for their benefit.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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