The Contagious Diseases Act
English Lit: OCR A Level Dracula, topic 2.1.3
The Contagious Diseases Act
An additional consequence of the Industrial Revolution and mass-migration to urban areas was an increase in prostitution.
Prostitution in London
- In 1841, there were estimated to be nearly 9,500 known prostitutes operating in London.
- Victorian society grew increasingly concerned over this. It was expected that women would only lose their virginity once they were married.
The Contagious Diseases Act
- In 1864, the Contagious Diseases Act was passed, allowing police officers to arrest any women suspected of prostitution.
- The women were then required to undergo compulsory checks for sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis.
Feasting on blood
- The vampiric act of feasting of their victims’ blood (and forcing them to drink the blood of a vampire) reflects these fears of Victorian society - of the sinful vice of prostitution and its potentially fatal consequences.