Sex workers safer since legalisation, book says

Sex workers are safer, healthier and more likely to report violence against them to police since prostitution was decriminalised in 2003, a new book on the industry says.

But sex workers are still stigmatised and more could be done, Otago University public health researcher Gillian Abel says in her book, Taking the Crime out of Sex Work.

Ms Abel drew on interviews with 772 sex workers and found "compelling evidence" that decriminalisation had achieved the aim of addressing sex workers' human rights.

It had also improved their health and safety, with workers more empowered to insist on safe sex.

Brothel workers had better knowledge of their employment rights and were better able to assert their rights with brothel operators and clients, Ms Abel said.

The relationship between sex workers and police had also improved, particularly for those on the streets, with workers more likely to report violence against them.

A street and private worker interviewed for the book, Joyce, said police in recent years had been "really good".

If a worker was raped in the past, "there wasn't much they could do", she said.

"But now that the law's changed, it's changed the whole thing."

A private sex worker, Josie, said decriminalisation had given sex workers greater rights.

"We're not invisible people. We are human beings, and if we're being attacked, we have the right also to the same protection as anyone else," she said.

Ms Abel said there was still stigma associated with the job and more work to be done.

Social policies could be improved to protect people under 18 from entering the industry, such as freeing up access to the independent youth benefit, Ms Abel said.

Greater support was also needed for transgender youth, who were particularly vulnerable to being drawn into the industry, she said.

- NZPA