If people are too scared to tell the police, they’ll be too scared in either case. Police can also arrest people for suspicion, they just can’t press charges.
In jurisdictions where it’s illegal, the vastly more common occurrence is that trafficked persons are afraid to talk to the police because they’re doing illegal things and fear legal penalties.
Actual evidence suggests that outcomes for trafficked persons are better when it’s decriminalized, even though it happens more often.
From the metrics in the study referenced above trafficking accounts for roughly 25% of prostitutes, regardless of legality. When it’s legal, they have workplace protections and get normal workplace benefits like retirement plans.
When it’s illegal, they have little legal protections, and are subject to abuse because while victims, they’re also criminals and are punished if caught or saved.
Personally, I think better outcomes for the majority of people is preferable to markedly worse outcomes for a smaller set.
If people are too scared to tell the police, they’ll be too scared in either case. Police can also arrest people for suspicion, they just can’t press charges.
In jurisdictions where it’s illegal, the vastly more common occurrence is that trafficked persons are afraid to talk to the police because they’re doing illegal things and fear legal penalties.
Actual evidence suggests that outcomes for trafficked persons are better when it’s decriminalized, even though it happens more often.
I don’t think that’s a fair exchange
Okay.
From the metrics in the study referenced above trafficking accounts for roughly 25% of prostitutes, regardless of legality. When it’s legal, they have workplace protections and get normal workplace benefits like retirement plans.
When it’s illegal, they have little legal protections, and are subject to abuse because while victims, they’re also criminals and are punished if caught or saved.
Personally, I think better outcomes for the majority of people is preferable to markedly worse outcomes for a smaller set.