I have spoken to a number of media outlets recently about the Craigslist murders and Julissa Brissman. I wanted to clarify some things.

First, Julissa did work for me. The media found this out because she had posted on my myspace page (which I deleted when I found out it was her but it was too late). She said "hey boss lady, I miss working for you". It was pretty much self-explanatory at that point. I have been interviewed on my relationship with her and have tried to point out the difference between bodyrub and escorting (which she didn't do) so that her parents would find some sort of solace in understanding their daughter. And that the media would STOP calling her a prostitute which I find hurtful and wrong. And because of my speaking out and going on the record, they have stopped using that word (for the most part). I have also been very careful in my words and left some things out as they would be disaparaging to her character and its no one else's business but my own.

I would never "out" any of my own girls and haven't yet to do so even through a good portion of them ratted me out in secrecy. I also wouldn't speak about them had it not already been brought to public light and would only do so in a positive manner. In terms of speaking for Julissa, I am not in anyway plugging my book nor do I care too. This is about a much bigger issue than that.

I am speaking out as her advocate. She doesn't have a voice so I'm trying to help her and other sex workers. The problem with these murders is that sex workers are "vunerable victims". They are doing something illegal and are therefore vunerable to being preyed upon. They are more scared of calling the cops when something bad happens because they fear they will get arrested than taking care of their own safety. And that is a societal problem. We place no value on the lives of sex workers.

This isn't called the oldest profession in the world for nothing. Its not going away unless you make some huge crackdowns on everyone - agencies, clients, girls, etc. Even then its a matter of time before it will be flourishing again. So, we are better off legalizing it. And putting in place some safety standards that protect these women rather than letting them fend for themselves.

There have been numerous murders and attacks stemming from craigslist. But craiglist is not the problem. It provides a hunting ground for stalkers which makes for thousands of potential victims. And there are many sites just like this. We cannot stop or monitor all of them - its just not feasible. What we can do is acknowledge the problem and try to put in measures to protect the safety of those searching -whether thats for a date, for a fetish (like the ABC reporter) or for erotic services.

So lets be clear about my motives. I am working on setting something up on my site so people can email a senator to lobby for legalization. This is prompted and in honor of Julissa. And I hope everyone realizes takes a stance and doesn't let this just be today's story until the next salacious tale comes along.