title: Decreasing Human Trafficking through Sex Work Decriminalization.
abstract: In order to decrease human trafficking, health care workers should support the full decriminalization of prostitution. Similar to trafficking in other forms of labor, preventing trafficking in the sex trade requires addressing the different forms of marginalization that create vulnerable communities. By removing punitive laws that prevent reporting of exploitation and abuse, decriminalization allows sex workers to work more safely, thereby reducing marginalization and vulnerability. Decriminalization can also help destigmatize sex work and help resist political, social, and cultural marginalization of sex workers.
authors.affiliation: Regional program director at Give Way to Freedom, in Boston.
authors.forename: Erin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Albright
authors.affiliation: National policy advocate at the Sex Workers Project in New York City.
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: D'Adamo
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003415:Crime; D064410:Human Trafficking / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D012449:Safety; D011477:Sex Work / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D060386:Sex Workers / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D063508:Social Discrimination; D057545:Social Stigma; D035862:Vulnerable Populations