ABSTRACT
This chapter examines red-light districts in three Belgian cities, focuses on internal arrangements and actors and external forces that have, or seek to have, an impact on the physical and social conditions in the red-light district. Brussels’ red-light district and the neighborhood surrounding it have long been in decay. Several window-prostitution buildings are in disrepair, a few are boarded up, and graffiti taints most of them. Aarshot Street in Brussels has a single congested traffic lane with abundant car noise, honking, and exhaust fumes. Differences in state involvement in the three red-light districts are also reflected in policing. Window prostitution in Brussels is largely controlled by networks of procurers, pimps, and madams who enter into agreements with the women, keep half of the earnings, and exercise tight control over them at work. Unique to this red-light district is the presence of a madam in each window building.
