Prostitution is a form of gender-based violence and discrimination.

Written By Dawn Hawkins

Prostitution is greatly linked to gender-based violence, and discrimination.[1] The reality is that sex buyer behavior is almost entirely engaged in by males.[2] A study found that 84% of the people being sold in prostitution are female, 52% are African American, and 62% of prostituted minors are homeless or have unstable housing.[3] This stark imbalance reveals that prostitution is a manifestation of male sexual entitlement.

The two approaches to prostitution law, namely legalization and full decriminalization, advance the agenda that men should be able to buy and control the bodies of women, men, and transgender persons. This is incompatible with a culture that seeks the uphold the human dignity and social equality of every individual.


[1] Tiana Bien-Aimé, (2018) Sexploitation Is Nobody’s Job: A Panel Discussion Review of Legal Approaches to Prostitution. Presentation at Coalition to End Sexual Exploitation Global Summit. https://vimeo.com/210776114

[2] Demand Abolition. (November 2018). Who buys sex? Understanding and disrupting illicit market demand. Retrieved from demandabolition.org/research/evidence-against-legalizing-prostitution

[3] Richey, Valiant. Power and Privilege – Understanding the Role of Men in Perpetuating Racial, Economic and Gender Inequality through Prostitution

Dawn Hawkins
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Full decriminalization and legalization of prostitution have been tried before, and they both lead to increased sex trafficking.