Have you ever paid a prostitute? These researchers will pay you to know more

A group of researchers want to meet men who have used and paid for prostitution services from women to learn more about their attitudes towards the often-veiled industry.

The researchers are offering to pay the men €50 to sit down with them for a two-hour confidential and discreet conversation as part of a global study that has already been conducted in six countries.

Psychologist Monique Sultana DeBrincat, who is one of the researchers, said they are attempting to replicate the research in Malta for the first time, hoping to break the silence on Malta’s sex industry.

“This subject is rarely spoken about openly, yet it is deeply relevant in today’s world,” she said.

“Our aim is to understand the real-life experiences of these men from a male perspective and to bring out evidence-based insights. We want to hear their story.”

Study done in six countries

The study has already been conducted in Germany, the UK, India, the US, Scotland and Finland, and it has revealed some stark realities.

The findings in these countries suggest that those who pay for sex are not a fringe group but come from all socioeconomic backgrounds. In Germany, for instance, roughly 27% of men admitted to having paid for sex at least once.

In the UK, 43% of men using these services were in committed relationships, with many hiding their behaviour from partners for an average of 11 years.

It also emerged that many men only pay for sex while travelling abroad, often engaging in higher-risk behaviour that they then bring back to their unsuspecting partners at home.

And contrary to stereotypes, most men said they paid for sex not because they were lonely, but for convenience and a desire for variety without emotional baggage.

By bringing the project to Malta, researchers aim to see if local trends mirror the reality found abroad.

The team said the goal is not to police behaviour but to generate insights into a sector that is frequently discussed by politicians and the Church, but rarely understood from the perspective of the men involved.

“Taking part involves a one-to-one interview lasting approximately two hours, conducted in a safe, non-judgmental environment where their perspective truly matters,” Sultana DeBrincat said.

“Participation is entirely confidential and discreet. Their identity will be protected, and all information is handled anonymously and respectfully.”

Men who have sought or paid for sex-related services from women and are interested in sharing their perspective can contact the research team on 7957 4870.