It's a topic which is often hotly debated, is a pro domme or a dominatrix a prostitute? Is the act of dominating a man a former of prostitution?
As always in the BDSM, it's a grey area and one which is hard to define with mainstream/vanilla views and reference points.
The main difference between an escort and a domme is that an escort provides sex or other forms of sexual relief, be it oral, handjob or otherwise. A dominatrix provides a service which rarely involves her undressing or giving the client any direct physical stimulation.
Fundamentally, both are being paid for offering sexual gratification. Many would argue that just because the domme doesn't actually have sex with the client, it doesn't mean she is not engaging in prostitution as the client gets off being beaten or serving his mistress.
I doubt many prostitutes would say they are happy with or enjoy their job whereas dominatrix seem to be, they enjoy the power and control and enjoy catering to peoples' fetishes. Prostitution often goes hand-in-hand with drugs, crime and sexually transmitted disease, this is not the case with dominatrix.
For the more sexually enlightened and open-minded, the difference between a dominatrix and a prostitute is clear and would argue that dommes don't play the same role in society as a prostitute.
Considered part of the sex trade, the job can be summed up as the catering in a trade of an erotic service for money but in general dommes are part of a bigger, more open community which often involves a social scene. Dominating men is something many do for pleasure as well as money.
As part of a session with a domme, the client doesn't usually get sexual release, if he does then he is most likely brought to climax through masturbation, which may be encouraged by his mistress but not administered by her.
The service can be likened to that of tantric masseuse, she provides and charges for an erotic massage, you aren't supposed to get a happy ending, but sometimes you do.
When paying a prostitute, you get sex and that is all, often a prostitute sells her body for money, she's not interested in the client's wants or needs. On the other hand, a dominatrix usually enjoys the power of dominating a man, she's in it as much for the fun as the money.
Pro dommes are much more interested in their clients, there is a lot more talk before and after to establish likes, limits and personal tastes. Although she is in charge, it's important for her to find out what the submissive wants from the experience.
A recent report on the sex industry in London has found that the price of an escort in the city has dropped in recent years as a result of the market becoming flooded with new entrants, while the cost of visiting a dominatrix has held up and even risen in some cases.
Dominatrix across the city say their most common type of client are those working in the financial sector or in positions of power, they see a domme to relinquish that power and normalise their day-to-day lives.
Getting kicked and punched makes them feel human again after the day's pressures working with dodgy politicians and corrupt bankers. This is a service above and beyond anything an escort would offer. Personally, I wouldn't call it prostitution any more than making an erotic movie is or writing erotic novels. A dominatrix is creating a sexual fantasy, that's all. Every librarian might get accused for doing the same each time they let down their hair.
