A recent study, reported by MSN, reveals that decriminalizing sex work significantly enhances the safety and well-being of sex workers. In jurisdictions where sex work is decriminalized, workers are more likely to access justice, receive specialized support, and assert their boundaries. Conversely, criminalized settings increase vulnerability to exploitation, modern slavery, and a reluctance to report abuse due to stigma and fear.
Stigma and Fear Result from Criminalization
Research across four legal jurisdictions confirms that decriminalization reduces stigma and empowers workers to negotiate consent and seek support, thereby lessening their risk of exploitation. Professor Teela Sanders, of the University of Leicester, emphasizes that "stigma against sex workers—particularly in criminalized and partially criminalized settings—can be embedded within essential services such as health care and policing. This stigma often leads to compounded harm for sex workers, further alienating them from the services they need.”
The study found that legal barriers and fear of law enforcement in criminalized settings prevent sex workers from reporting abuse, contrasting sharply with the experiences in decriminalized or legalized areas like New Zealand and Nevada's managed brothels.
Urgent Need for Legal Reform
Researchers, interviewing criminal justice professionals, support workers, and sex workers from the US, New Zealand, and the UK, found that legal frameworks directly impact how workers negotiate consent. Decriminalized settings fostered greater awareness of legal rights and empowered workers to set boundaries. Authorities’ responses to violence varied significantly based on legal recognition.
Sanders calls for "an urgent need for legal and policy reforms to protect sex workers’ rights and empower them to set and maintain boundaries, while providing effective mechanisms for redress.” Distrust of authorities, exacerbated by criminalization, was a major barrier to reporting abuse.
Full Decriminalization for Justice
Sex workers interviewed for the report recommended ensuring survivor choice in reporting, building trust through specialized support, and fostering partnerships between mainstream services and sex worker-led organizations.
Deputy Chief Constable Dan Vajzovic of the UK’s National Police Chiefs’ Council stated, “Across society, we need to do more to tackle violence against women and girls; this is especially true when considering under-protected communities such as sex workers. I welcome this contribution to strengthening our knowledge base and hope that it allows consideration of whether better legislative frameworks can be developed.”
The research advocates for full decriminalization of sex work to improve protections and access to justice. Freedom United supports this call.
Call to Action: Support Illinois SB2391
Freedom United urges Illinois lawmakers to pass SB2391, which aims to protect sex workers’ rights and safety while combating human trafficking. This legislation is crucial to preventing abuse, stopping trafficking, and ensuring every individual’s right to safety and autonomy.