Decriminalisation of prostitution would lead to more violence against women. Prostitutes are often brutalised. A 2003 study on violence experienced by sex workers showed 93% had been sexually assaulted, 75% were raped, 56% robbed, and 83% physically assaulted. Another study also showed 68% experienced post-traumatic stress disorder and 88% wanted to leave prostitution. Many prostitutes turn to drugs to cope with the pain of their work. Pandering to the porn-fueled desires of Victorian men can only lead to more maltreatment of women, and a further escalation of the already problematic sex trafficking of Asian women and girls from interstate and overseas, should Covid restrictions ease. Please don’t decriminalise prostitution and help stop violence against women.

Decriminalising the sex trade gives legitimacy to the buying and selling of people who are engaged in damaging and abusive behaviour and reduces unique personhood to the status of sexual consumer commodity. Most MPs would not want their daughters to be sex workers and should recognise the hypocrisy of allowing someone else’s daughter to become a prostitute. Legalising the sex trade also provides opportunities for governments to pressure unemployed persons to apply for work as a prostitute, and to promote sex work in schools as a legitimate career – both options that most Australians would consider immoral and ludicrous. Please protect Victoria’s daughters – don’t decriminalise prostitution.

If governments legalise the sex trade, they disqualify themselves from expressing concern about its harm, and in fact gain a stakeholding in the activity (as a source of employment and taxation). Laws prohibiting prostitution Laws also enable the courts to challenge the behaviour of drug-using prostitutes, requiring them to participate in rehabilitation and counselling, as an alternative to being fined or jailed, without recording any conviction. A 2003 study on violence experienced by sex workers showed 93% had been sexually assaulted, 75% were raped, 56% robbed, and 83% physically assaulted. Another study also showed 68% experienced post-traumatic stress disorder and 88% wanted to leave prostitution. These experiences are born out by sex industry survivors who are feel decriminalisation won’t address health and safety concerns, and gender inequality. The best way to minimise harm in the prostitution trade is to keep it unlawful, but with community-based outreach, sensitive policing, and court action which encourages behavioural change. Please protect and help women – and don’t decriminalise prostitution.