What is sexual accompaniment?
Sexual companions provide assistance for elderly and/or disabled people with sexual satisfaction. This begins with simple things such as buying condoms, continues with the use of aids, includes various massage practices and ends with the sexual act. The sexual act itself can either take place directly with the sexual escort or the escort can refer the person to a prostitute.
Officially, anyone can call themselves a sexual companion, as there are no fixed regulations in this area. Some differentiate themselves as sexual assistants, as they only carry out the wishes of the client, but otherwise do not enter into any kind of commitment. Sexual companions sometimes develop an emotional partnership with their clients. Proper training is offered in Germany by the Institut zur Selbstbestimmung Behinderter (ISBB). As a rule, however, sexual companions and assistants meet and exchange ideas in various seminars.
Sexual accompaniment or prostitution?
At first glance, the services of sex workers appear to be very similar to those of prostitutes. The boundaries between these two areas are also very fluid. However, prostitutes are paid for every sexual act they perform, while sexual companions spend time with people, boosting their self-confidence and promoting their personal development.
Criticism
However, there is also criticism surrounding the topic. Sexual companions defend sexuality as a fundamental right, but critics claim that you can never be 100% sure whether mentally disabled people are doing this voluntarily. Another very important point is the financial aspect. Currently, such assistance is neither paid for by health insurance companies nor by the state. However, experts estimate that many people with a disability would like to have such sexual services. Some other countries are ahead of us here. In Holland, for example, sexual accompaniment is financed by certain municipalities. However, this also requires a lengthy process through the bureaucracy, in which there must be clear proof that the disability is the reason for sexual inactivity and that the costs are not affordable for the person in question.
Sexual accompaniment is and remains a sensitive issue with advantages and disadvantages. Nevertheless, it is an issue that needs to be addressed, as it could potentially improve the quality of life both in old age and for people with disabilities.