slave women were frequently used for sex by their masters. if any refused they were physically beaten. their racially mixed or mulatto children were considered slaves because their status followed that of the mother. all women in the south, black or white, were considered chattel or property, they belonged to the master. in 1808, the act prohibiting importation of slaves took effect. after this time slave breeding by their masters became a common way to produce slaves. there was also a demand for light-skinned, good looking young female slaves. these "fancy maids", slave women sold at auction as concubines or prostitutes, brought the highest prices.