Should sex work be decriminalised?

Summary

In this thought-provoking discussion, Nikki Adams, a spokesperson for the English Collective of Prostitutes, and Aisha Hazarika, former special advisor, debate the issue of sex work regulation. Nikki advocates for the decriminalization of sex work, citing evidence from New Zealand where it led to increased safety for sex workers. Aisha, however, raises concerns about exploitation, particularly for vulnerable women, and supports the Nordic model, which criminalizes the purchase of sex to reduce demand. The conversation explores the complexities of protecting sex workers, tackling trafficking, and addressing the socio-economic factors that drive women into prostitution.

Takeaways

• 😀 Decriminalization of sex work, as introduced in New Zealand in 2003, improved safety for sex workers, allowing them to report violence without fear of arrest.
• 😀 Aisha Hazarika argues that protecting women is the priority, but there are concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable women, such as those with chaotic backgrounds or histories of abuse.
• 😀 There is disagreement on whether decriminalization would improve safety, with some arguing that it would simply bring the industry above ground without addressing the root causes of exploitation.
• 😀 A key argument for decriminalization is that it allows sex workers to come forward and report crimes like trafficking and abuse, which are harder to address when they are operating underground.
• 😀 Aisha Hazarika highlights the vulnerability of women involved in prostitution, particularly those who start at a young age and have backgrounds of trauma, addiction, or abuse.
• 😀 Nikki Adams argues that the current laws around prostitution make sex workers more vulnerable, as they are forced to work in unsafe conditions and face prosecution for basic activities like working with a friend.
• 😀 The Nordic model, which criminalizes the purchase of sex, is seen by some as a way to reduce trafficking and exploitation by targeting demand, though its effectiveness has been disputed.
• 😀 Research suggests that only a small percentage of sex workers are trafficked, and laws already exist to tackle trafficking, rape, and exploitation, meaning better enforcement of existing laws may be a better solution.
• 😀 Nikki Adams emphasizes that many women choose sex work out of necessity, as it offers better pay and flexibility compared to other jobs, despite not considering it a 'dream' profession.
• 😀 The conversation touches on the broader societal issues that push women into prostitution, including poverty, homelessness, debt, and lack of support for mothers, suggesting that addressing these could reduce sex work.
• 😀 Aisha Hazarika stresses the dangers of prostitution, noting that women in the profession are at high risk of violence, including rape and murder, which should be treated as crimes to be addressed through law enforcement.

Q & A

What is the primary argument in favor of decriminalizing sex work?

The primary argument in favor of decriminalizing sex work, as presented by Nikki Adams, is that it would make sex workers safer by removing the fear of arrest and enabling them to report violence to the police without the risk of prosecution.

How has decriminalization in New Zealand been evaluated?

In New Zealand, decriminalization was implemented in 2003. A thorough evaluation found that it did not lead to an increase in prostitution but instead made sex workers safer. They were more able to report violence and exploitation due to the removal of legal risks.

What is Aisha Hazarika's main concern regarding decriminalizing sex work?

Aisha Hazarika's main concern is that decriminalizing sex work might legitimize the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, particularly women who enter sex work due to trauma, addiction, or poverty, rather than by choice.

What does Aisha Hazarika say about the backgrounds of women who enter sex work?

Aisha Hazarika highlights that many women who end up in sex work come from chaotic backgrounds, including childhood abuse, addiction, and mental health problems. She argues that these women do not truly choose sex work but are often exploited.

How does Nikki Adams respond to the claim that decriminalization increases trafficking?

Nikki Adams disputes the claim that decriminalization increases trafficking. She argues that there is little evidence to support the idea that decriminalizing sex work encourages trafficking. In fact, research shows that only a small percentage of sex workers are trafficked.

What is the Nordic model, and what does Aisha Hazarika believe it achieves?

The Nordic model criminalizes the purchase of sex, targeting the demand side of prostitution. Aisha Hazarika believes it helps reduce trafficking and exploitation by discouraging the purchase of sex and changing public attitudes about sex work.

What is the argument against treating sex work as an 'inevitable' part of society?

The argument against treating sex work as inevitable, as expressed by Aisha Hazarika, is that it normalizes exploitation, especially of vulnerable women and girls. She questions whether society should accept it, given the high risks of violence, trafficking, and psychological harm faced by sex workers.

How does Nikki Adams view the relationship between sex work and personal choice?

Nikki Adams views sex work as a profession that many women, including herself, enter because it provides better financial opportunities and flexibility compared to other available jobs. She emphasizes that, while not ideal, it is a choice made within the context of limited options.

What is the significance of 'the root causes' of sex work, according to Aisha Hazarika?

Aisha Hazarika argues that to reduce sex work, society needs to address the root causes, such as poverty, homelessness, and mental health issues, which often push women into the profession. She believes these underlying problems should be tackled rather than simply decriminalizing sex work.

How do both speakers agree on the issue of violence in the sex work industry?

Both Nikki Adams and Aisha Hazarika agree that sex work is dangerous, with high risks of violence, rape, and even murder. However, Adams argues that decriminalization would enable sex workers to report these crimes without fear of legal consequences, while Hazarika contends that addressing violence should focus on the root causes of exploitation, rather than legitimizing the industry.