In the Victorian Era, Sex workers worked in houses called Ringer Houses. Ringer Houses were known as prostitution houses. These houses were mainly owned by a ring or a chain. There were private parties and other events held in Ringer Houses. Since The Contagious Disease Act was passed in 1864, women had to complete medical examinations. If they didn't, they were forced to do it. The women who were infected were she would attend the hospital for three months. The medical examinations only cost between three and five dollars. Ringer Houses got at least fifty percent of the sex workers' money. The private parties were events that sex workers could make the most money. On an average day, Women have to work eight-hour shifts. Older women had to work overnight shifts in the ringer houses. Most of the satisfied customers were men who were married. However, Ringer Houses didn't receive any protection.
As a result, Ringer houses would take at least half of the dollar fee of the women's earnings. The money would go towards protection for the ringer houses. Depending on how many customers that were inside of the houses, each sex worker made extra tips. If you were a virgin, you would get paid a lot more money than the other women. The leftover money helped cover expenses and bills.
Sources
"The Contagious Diseases Act" The Victorian Web. 24 March 2009, http://www.victorianweb.org/gender/contagious.html
"Victorian era." New World Encyclopedia. 23 Jun 2011, http://www.newworldenecyclopedia.org/entry/Victorian_era?oldid=952266