I do not have the emotional fortitude right now to delve into facts and figures on violence against women in sex industry and I am not sure when I will but I aim to try because this issue is just too important to take on face value.
By that I mean that it is theorized that legalization or decriminalization will reduce the harm inflicted on women in the industry. It sounds good in theory but I am not convinced that it makes women safer or reduces the number of women that are harmed.
Some groups are claiming that legal/decrim increases the harm suffered by women and other groups are claiming just the opposite. As there are a wide variety of examples around the world I think we should be able to collect a good mix of information on the actual as opposed to purely theoretical outcomes.
Harm reduction includes simply not getting a criminal record but the Swedish model takes care of that so neither legal nor decrim are required to attain that goal.
Sex-trafficking as in economic migration - It's philosophical, there is debate as to whether it represents freedom to choose or economic coercion so I am not sure it should be included for the purposes of this discussion. Either way there is a difference between this kind of sex-trafficking and that which is unwilling. It can't be addressed as one issue. I'm looking for solid information on whether or not what we all agree is harmful is lessened, increased, or neither.
This is the list that I consider of primary importance but please feel free to add to it.
Sex-trafficking as in women that have been tricked, forced or coerced in some manner.
Children - not older teens, children. Say 14 and under.
Teens - lured by false promises, offered drugs, alcohol, and ending up trapped by addiction or simply the belief that there is no way out for them.
Same as above only women rather than teens.
Physical attacks, anything from slapped around to murder. This includes rape.
Thats all I can really think of right now.