Decriminalization of prostitution and sex work laws will encourage victims to come forward without fear of punishment, lower STIs and violence, and re-allocate funds to addressing reported rapes and assaults.

Doug* is a would-be client with a terminal illness, a divorce, and grown children. He spends most days indoors and alone except for his cat and his social media. “I was scrolling through Tinder and matched with a lady – she said she was down to visit me for $300, and I gave her my address. Instead, two men with guns showed up at my door; it was a scam. I called 911 and when police showed up, they lectured me and said I was lucky they weren’t going to charge me with soliciting prostitution.”

Victims of violent crimes are less likely to receive support or justice, if they too are treated like criminals.

Prohibition of alcohol and the War on Drugs criminalized the poorest people, created underground markets and trafficking operations, and ignored people’s consent to their own bodies. Anti-sex work laws do the same. Support decriminalization of prostitution laws, because the wars against sex workers is killing people.

read the full piece on The Pomonan