Title: Understanding Sex Work in an Open Society - Open Society Foundations
Headings: Understanding Sex Work in an Open Society
Understanding Sex Work in an Open Society
Who are sex workers?
Why use the term “sex worker” rather than “prostitute”?
Why do some people do sex work?
Why shouldn’t sex work be a crime?
What’s wrong with laws that target only the clients of sex workers?
What is decriminalization of sex work?
What is human trafficking, and how is sex work different?
Is sex work inherently harmful?
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Content: Many sex workers struggle with poverty and destitution and have few other options for work. Others find that sex work offers better pay and more flexible working conditions than other jobs. And some pursue sex work to explore and express their sexuality. Why shouldn’t sex work be a crime? Criminalization of sex work compromises sex workers’ health and safety by driving sex work underground. Criminalization includes everything from criminalizing the sale and purchase of sexual services, to blanket prohibitions on management of sex work. Criminalization makes it harder for sex workers to negotiate terms with clients, work together with other sex workers for safety, and carry condoms without fear that they will be used as evidence of prostitution. Sex workers in many settings report extreme levels of violence and harassment in connection with their work, including from clients, managers, and police. Criminalization makes it difficult for sex workers to report rights violations, especially by the police, because they are vulnerable to incarceration, further abuse, and retribution. This perpetuates stigma, violence, and impunity, which further endanger sex workers’ health and safety.