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REFORM Many of the reform efforts directed towards prostitution were spearheaded by local religious organizations. In 1871, the Church Missionary Society of England sent Mr. William Duncan to Victoria to examine the social problems, especially the 'Indian problem'. An account of his mission stated: "Upon his arrival at Victoria, Mr. Duncan found about
3000 Indians congregated there from various quarters, living in the most
deplorable state. Every female amongst them was being dragged to prostitution,
and both males and females given up to drunkenness and riot. [...] There
was no doubt about the necessity of some action being taken." Nonetheless, little action was taken to remedy the problem of prostitution, that is until it was no longer 'just' an "Indian problem". In 1885, a Methodist missionary, John Endicott Gardiner,
became involved in work with the Chinese, especially the young prostitutes.
He established a "rescue home" in 1889 where he offered classes
for the reformed girls. Later in 1889, the Women's Christian Temperance Union
opened a Refuge Home at #2 Work St. for "the rescue of the fallen
and the care of the unfortunate women." Others supported 'scientific' research, which sought theories
to explain the causes of prostitution. One esteemed doctor published a
book explaining his belief that if women were "uninfluenced by her
desire to please man or secure his support, there would be very little
sexual excess" in the form of prostitution. Nonetheless, sadly, the problems of prostitution would
continue to plague the city of Victoria, even as it headed into the 20th
century. Click HERE to proceed to Prostitution
in London.
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