Legalisation is the most important thing countries can do to curb violence towards sex workers. Like drugs, the idea that government enforcement could wipe out

Legalisation is the most important thing countries can do to curb violence towards sex workers. Like drugs, the idea that government enforcement could wipe out the 'oldest profession' is silly. When prostitution is illegal, the girls have little recourse if abused or threatened. They might have an enforcer who could help, but that's not always possible or reasonable. If an escort is kidnapped, she may have no way of informing her enforcer of where she is being taken, and he likely has no resources to search. There are also situations where a single man isn't enough, e.g. a gang kidnapping. If the police are called, they both get arrested along with the client. When legalised, both prospective kidnappers/abusers/murderers know that there are no impediments to fully involving the considerable resources of the police force, making such scenarios less likely and, if they do happen, less likely to result in tragedy. There are other nice benefits as well. Health codes, for instance - like a restaurant! Enforced by government, clients could be assured that they will not pick up and diseases from the prostitute they visit, and she can more easily force clients to prove they are clean as well. If she does contract an STD, she can confidently receive treatment from her GP, without fear of being suspected and reported to the police. I live in NZ, and we legalised prostitution over a decade ago, under a female prime minister. Helen Clark presided over the law change for similar reasons to those presented above. She is an amazingly pragmatic woman, and was an excellent PM. Love ya, Aunty Helen. These days issues in the sex industry are discussed on prime time tv and breakfast shows. There is even a sex industry association with a spokesperson who appears on tv and advocates for sex workers, and I presume they also lobby government. There's really no downside as far as I know.