Download PDF for Print. Today, there are four predominant legal approaches to regulating sex work: full criminalization all aspects of sex work are illegal ; partial decriminalization the sale of sex is legal but the purchase of sex is illegal ; full decriminalization all criminal penalties relating to the sex trade are removed ; and legalization sex work is legal and regulated by the state.
Of the countries and territories reviewed for this report, sex work is legal to a varying degree in 86 including in six whose laws vary within the country , partially decriminalized in 11, fully decriminalized in five and illegal in the remaining Research into the impact of prostitution on crime rates is difficult in part due to the differing regulatory approaches to sex work worldwide, but also because of the highly transient nature of the industry, societal stigma and other ethical issues such as privacy and informed consent.
Results of research studies into the effect of the legalization or decriminalization of sex work on crime rates have been mixed and at times contradictory. Of the studies that indicated that legalization or decriminalization of sex work does not necessarily lead to an increase in crime, most found decreases in rape offenses, while other impacts included improvements in the safety of sex workers and a decrease in drug-related crime.
Of the studies that indicated that legalization or decriminalization of sex work can lead to an increase in crime, most focused on increases in organized crime, including human trafficking. A number of studies found that under a partial decriminalization model, the safety of sex workers decreased three studies or rape rates increased one study. Of the studies with mixed results, one found that prostitution led to a decrease in violent crime in low-income countries but increased violent crime in high-income countries.
Another found that conditions improved for local workers under a legalization regime, but negatively affected some foreign workers. A study from Germany found that after legalization, the number of murders of sex workers decreased, but the number of attempted murders increased. This report offers background information on prostitution policies in the United States and around the world, an outline of the predominant legal approaches to regulating sex work with corresponding case studies and a summary of studies on how legalization or decriminalization of sex work impacts crime rates.
