Origin and Legislation

• Why were the Acts introduced in Victorian Britain?

  To address issues related to prostitution
• How was prostitution viewed in Victorian Britain?

  It was frowned upon but acknowledged as useful
• Who was primarily seen as wanting and enjoying sex?

  Men
• What was the perception of women's sexuality during this period?

  It was seen as purely for procreation
• What health issue arose with the rise of prostitution?

  Increase in venereal diseases (STIs)
• What prompted the government to act regarding prostitution?

  The rise in venereal diseases
• What was a significant health concern for the army and navy?

  Lack of basic sanitation
• What was a consequence of the army's dependence on prostitution?

  High levels of venereal diseases
• What were common sexually spread diseases mentioned?

  Gonorrhoea, syphilis, and scabies
• Why were married men considered unreliable soldiers?

  They were reluctant to risk their lives
• How was prostitution viewed in relation to the military?

  As a necessity for soldiers' sexual urges
• What did the 1857 royal commission warn about venereal infections?

  Higher levels among soldiers than civilians
• What did the commission recommend regarding medical checks?

  To end medical checks on soldiers
• What alarming statistic was uncovered about army hospital admissions in 1860?

  37% were for venereal infections
• How many soldiers were inactive daily due to venereal infections?

  586 men per day
• Who was the central advocate of the 1862 committee?

  Nightingale
• What was Nightingale's goal regarding venereal diseases?

  To publicize the problem in armed forces
• What did Sir John Liddell advocate for regarding prostitutes?

  State regulation with medical examinations
• How did Nightingale view the regulation of prostitutes?

  As an infringement of their rights
• What was the official recommendation of the 1862 committee?

  Establish lock hospitals for treatment
• What was the public perception of prostitution in Victorian society?

  It threatened marriages and families
• How many prostitutes were estimated to be in England?

  About 30,000 to 500,000
• What percentage of child admissions had hereditary syphilis?

  Up to 20 percent
• How was female sexuality perceived in the 19th century?

  Connected wholly with reproduction
• What did the Matrimonial Act of 1857 specify about divorce?

  Men could divorce for adultery; women needed more
• What did John William Acton publish in 1857?

  A book on prostitution and sexual health
• What did Acton believe about prostitution?

  It was a social necessity
• What did Acton argue was necessary for public health?

  Government intervention and regulation
• What was the purpose of the Contagious Diseases Acts?

  To regulate and examine prostitutes
• What could happen to a woman found diseased under the Acts?

  She could be detained in a lock hospital
• How often were compulsory examinations introduced for prostitutes?

  Once every three months
• What did the third Contagious Diseases Act allow regarding detention?

  Detention for five days without trial
• What was the aim of the measures introduced by the Acts?

  To ensure safe regulation of prostitution
• How did Acton and Anderson view the Acts?

  As benevolent and part of moral duty
• What did Anderson believe about voluntary checks?

  They could prevent infections