Full Decriminalization Harms Kids

Growth of the sex trade increases child exploitation. Once you normalize the sex trade through decriminalization or legalization, it explodes, because men who did not previously buy sex when it was illegal become new clients. As a 2018 study of 8,000 American men demonstrates, over 20% of respondents who never bought sex reported they would, if circumstances were more favorable (in others words, if it were decriminalized or legalized.)

Increased demand for commercial sex puts children at higher risk for sex trafficking. Sex trafficking exists because demand for paid sex consistently outpaces the supply. Traffickers follow the money, bringing children to locations where demand is highest and risk is low, to capitalize on potential profits.

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