An in-depth review of the effects of the 2003 prostitution law change has revealed a huge gap between the reputation of the law and its actual impact.
The detailed analysis challenges the assumption that the decriminalisation of prostitution has been a success, finding the benefits of the Prostitution Reform Act 2003 (PRA) have been exaggerated and its shortcomings ignored, denied or hidden.
Based on Government data and multiple Official Information Act (OIA) requests over several years, βIS IT WORKING? An evidenced-based review of the decriminalisation of prostitution in New Zealandβ was written by Auckland researcher Tony Pitt and UK-based Helen Johnson from Stand Against Sexual Exploitation (SASE) and published by Family First.
The report highlights several significant concerns:
Increased numbers of prostitutes.Β The New Zealand Prostitutesβ Collective has failed to collect accurate data on the numbers of people involved in prostitution, despite being contracted by the Government to do so.
While solid data is lacking, the NZPC reported engaging with 7416 prostitutes in the first half of 2019 β more than three times the figure quoted by the Prostitution Law Reform Committee in 2008.Health and safety violations β and the reality of violence. Continuing health and safety violations include coercion into unwanted sex acts, high levels of violence, physical injury, unsafe sex, and exploitative practices such as long working hours.
Violence is a risk every prostitute takes on a daily basis. Assault, rape and strangulation are not uncommon.Low rates of reporting and prosecuting violations. Fewer than 20% of those who had been physically assaulted reported it to the police. Since 2003 there have been only two prosecutions for coercion β committed usually by womenβs managers (pimps) β despite repeated reports that it happens frequently.
The black market.Β The industry realities of gang involvement, child exploitation and internal trafficking are largely denied or ignored by the NZPC. The Ministry for Children confirmed that under-age prostitution was not a target area and that no funding had been made available to tackle it.
Lack of support for exiting the industry.Β No resources have been provided to support women who wish to exit the industry. When the law reform was being debated, it was promoted as helping to prevent entry and facilitate exiting, however the NZPC does not support that approach.Brothel inspections: mandated but not happening. Only 1
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I think so. The moral side is one story, but I would want the women to have a safe place where they wouldn't have to worry as much. They may even get benefits. To me it's something that will always be there, so I'd rather have them safer than having to work in the streets.
What are your thoughts?
