A "friend" (I swear it wasnt me, and I will never say who) had the misfortune of being beaten and robbed recently. I know this subject comes up sometimes, and I was wondering:

A. Does Screening/Verification deter this type of crime?

1. She works out of an apartment alone.
2. She does same day appointments and NO Screening/Verification at all.
3. The girls here ABSOLUTELY REFUSE to do references. (They think it takes business away from them).

B. What can she do legally?

1. Unfortunately she does not have his name or know what kind of car he is driving.
2. He used a GUN and pistol whipped her.
3. He stole over $850

They did not even get into the session. He simply walked in the door and pulled out the gun and began beating her.

My opinion is that this was a HOME INVASION pure and simple.

Opinions?

Sable

First and foremost your friend was the victim of an armed robbery.  She should report the crime to the police.  This person may be robbing providers because they feel providers will most likely not report the crime to the police. What a person does for a living in one thing; armed robbery is another.  Make sure she dresses appropriately when she meets with the police.  She does not have to tell them exactly what she does for a living.  If she lives in a big city, the detectives who investigate robberies are not the same ones who handle vice.  I read a very interesting book written by a detective who investigates serial murders.  He pointed out in the beginning that most of the victims are street walking prostitutes.  These people rarely report crimes to the police.  However, since murder, robbery, rape, etc., are far more serious than a misdemeanor prostitution arrest, the detective said he keeps the information he receives from street walkers confidential. The most important aspect of an investigation is gaining the confidence of witnesses. Otherwise, the girls would not talk to the detectives. The detective and his partners have interviewed hundreds of prostitutes and have never passed the information on to the vice squad.  In his particular department, it was official policy to NOT report prostitutes and gay men witnesses to the vice squad.  After reading this very interesting book, I fully understand their policy.  This guy needs to locked up before he kills someone.  

As far as screening is concerned, if some refuses to cooperate, let him go.  He might be the robber.  Good Luck

I agree with Ace on this one... this kind of thing makes me so angry. On the other hand I'm pulling my hair out in frustration at the thought that she doesn't know his real name, where he lives, where he works... but if she reports it maybe the next time someone gets beaten up by this guy, they'll have more info and be able to find him.

She can always explain that she is a) a companion b) a dancer c) a model... etc etc etc.

Hugs*
Nicole

I don't intend on being the cynic, but thought it would be best to be candid. Yes, your friend definitely can and should report this incident to the police as she has been the victim of numerous crimes committed against her. Unfortunately, even if the police successfully apprehend and convict the perpetrator, your friend will unlikely receive the return of her stolen property/funds.

Some criminal statutes require a convict to pay a victim "restitution"/reimbursement for the harm they caused the victim--the judicical award of restitution is discretionary as opposed to mandatory.

MOST IMPORTANT: your friend needs to address her physical and emotional well being. She needs to seek medical treatment and counseling so she can effectively cope with the aftermath of the trauma she endured. I wish her the best.