Change in culture needed to deter paid underage sex

While I agree that we should “Consider harsher penalties to deter paid underage sex” (Sept 23), it is necessary to supplement enforcement with a change in culture. The root issue is that promiscuity and pleasure are valued over faithfulness, self-restraint and selflessness. We should seek to create a conducive environment that will inspire Singaporean husbands to be faithful and play the lead role in building a strong, loving home.

Instead of glorifying extramarital exploits in the media or treating such moral lapses as if they are inevitable, we should celebrate the men who choose to make a lasting commitment to their families. One example is the viral video, The Devoted Husband, of a man who is honouring his wedding vows despite his wife’s five-year coma.

Additionally, we must encourage husbands to foster better relationships with their wives, and ensure open channels of communication, for them to find adequate support within the family for their problems and desires, without seeking external “comfort” or satisfaction. As fathers, men can also set good examples by rejecting promiscuity and teaching their children to seek healthy, stable relationships rooted in love and respect.

The ills of underage sex, commercial or non-commercial, will not disappear unless we correspondingly change both our law and culture before more lives and families are destroyed.

The issue of underage commercial sex also cannot be separated from the problem of sex trafficking. Women, including underage girls, from developing countries in Asia are brought in by pimps and agents through deceit or the promise of a decent-paying job which would help support their families.

They are often exploited because of their poverty and poor education. They also often take huge loans to come here to work. Those who are tricked have no choice but to sell their bodies to repay the loans.

While our authorities are doing their best to thwart traffickers and break the supply chain, it is logical to enhance the punishment for customers so that the law enforcement efforts will not be undermined.

It is not enough to cooperate and share information with the authorities in the women’s countries, or to introduce stricter sentences. Getting rid of the culture of exploiting women among our men and boys must begin at home. The Government should not only focus on the anti-vice component of sex trafficking but also give proper attention to pro-family initiatives that seek to reverse the trend.

Both the sources of demand and supply must dry up.