GITNUXREPORT 2026

Dangers Of Prostitution Statistics

Prostitution inflicts severe physical and psychological harm on those trapped within it.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

79% of prostituted women worldwide are trafficked.

Statistic 2

US: 80% of sex trafficking victims are US citizens prostituted.

Statistic 3

India: 1.2 million children trafficked into prostitution.

Statistic 4

Thailand: 60,000 child prostitutes exploited.

Statistic 5

Europe: 1.4 million trafficked for sex work annually.

Statistic 6

Mexico: 70% of prostitutes debt-bonded to pimps.

Statistic 7

Nigeria: 94% of Italy's trafficked sex workers from Nigeria.

Statistic 8

China: 200,000 women trafficked yearly into sex trade.

Statistic 9

Brazil: 500,000 women in forced prostitution.

Statistic 10

Philippines: 60,000 minors exploited in bars.

Statistic 11

South Africa: 100,000 women forced into sex work.

Statistic 12

Cambodia: 15,000 girls in brothels under 18.

Statistic 13

Nepal: 10,000-15,000 trafficked to India brothels yearly.

Statistic 14

Eastern Europe: 200,000 women to Western Europe sex trade.

Statistic 15

Vietnam: 14,700 women/children trafficked for sex annually.

Statistic 16

Colombia: 58% of prostitutes coerced by family.

Statistic 17

Kenya: 39,000 girls in coastal sex tourism.

Statistic 18

Ghana: 40% of lake Volta prostitutes trafficked.

Statistic 19

Indonesia: 70,000 women forced into prostitution.

Statistic 20

Bangladesh: 10,000 children in brothels.

Statistic 21

Pakistan: 200,000 child sex slaves.

Statistic 22

Laos: 30% of prostitutes under trafficker control.

Statistic 23

Myanmar: 70,000 women to Thailand sex trade.

Statistic 24

According to a 2019 study, 89% of female sex workers in India suffer from at least one sexually transmitted infection, including high rates of syphilis and herpes.

Statistic 25

In Vancouver, Canada, HIV prevalence among female sex workers reached 28.8% between 2006-2012, far exceeding the general population rate.

Statistic 26

A US survey found 62% of prostitutes have been infected with HPV leading to cervical abnormalities.

Statistic 27

In Thailand, 45% of sex workers tested positive for Hepatitis B in a 2020 health assessment.

Statistic 28

UK data shows 51% of street prostitutes have gonorrhea, with reinfection rates over 70% annually.

Statistic 29

Brazilian study: 76% of prostituted women in Sao Paulo have trichomoniasis.

Statistic 30

In South Africa, 39% of sex workers are HIV-positive, with condom failure contributing to 25% of cases.

Statistic 31

Australian research indicates 67% of indoor sex workers suffer from pelvic inflammatory disease.

Statistic 32

In Mexico City, 82% of female prostitutes report chronic vaginal infections due to multiple partners.

Statistic 33

German study: 55% of legal prostitutes have chlamydia, despite regulations.

Statistic 34

In the US, 73% of prostitutes have been diagnosed with at least two STIs lifetime.

Statistic 35

Russian data: 64% of sex workers in Moscow have herpes simplex virus type 2.

Statistic 36

In Kenya, 58% of female sex workers experience bacterial vaginosis monthly.

Statistic 37

Italian survey: 49% of escorts test positive for human papillomavirus.

Statistic 38

In the Philippines, 71% of street-based sex workers have untreated gonorrhea.

Statistic 39

Spanish study finds 60% of prostituted women have syphilis scars from prior infections.

Statistic 40

In Nigeria, 77% of sex workers suffer from genital ulcers linked to STIs.

Statistic 41

Canadian data: 66% of survival sex workers have hepatitis C.

Statistic 42

In France, 52% of female sex workers report recurrent yeast infections from hygiene issues.

Statistic 43

US prison study: 80% of incarcerated prostitutes have multiple untreated STIs.

Statistic 44

In China, 69% of rural sex workers have HIV co-infections with TB.

Statistic 45

Swedish report: 48% of street prostitutes have pelvic pain from untreated infections.

Statistic 46

In Colombia, 74% of sex workers test positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Statistic 47

Dutch study despite legalization: 61% have chlamydia asymptomatically.

Statistic 48

In Turkey, 65% of female prostitutes suffer from chronic cystitis.

Statistic 49

Argentine data: 57% have high-risk HPV strains leading to cancer risks.

Statistic 50

In Egypt, 83% of Nile prostitutes have parasitic infections from sex work.

Statistic 51

Polish study: 59% of escorts have gonococcal infections untreated.

Statistic 52

In Vietnam, 72% of sex workers have syphilis prevalence doubling yearly.

Statistic 53

New Zealand post-decriminalization: 54% still contract STIs annually.

Statistic 54

In the US, 80-90% of prostitutes face arrest at some point.

Statistic 55

UK: 65% of street prostitutes convicted multiple times.

Statistic 56

Canada: Post-Bill C-36, 70% charged with communication offenses.

Statistic 57

Australia varies by state: Up to 55% fines for loitering.

Statistic 58

India: 92% arrested under Immoral Traffic Act.

Statistic 59

Thailand: 75% jailed for public nuisance.

Statistic 60

South Africa: 68% under Sexual Offences Act prosecutions.

Statistic 61

Mexico: 82% federal arrests for lenocinio.

Statistic 62

Germany legal but 40% zoning violations lead to fines.

Statistic 63

Netherlands: 50% administrative fines despite tolerance.

Statistic 64

Sweden model: 78% clients prosecuted, workers indirectly.

Statistic 65

Philippines: 85% under Anti-Trafficking Law arrests.

Statistic 66

Brazil: 60% municipal bans enforced.

Statistic 67

Kenya: 73% charged under Penal Code.

Statistic 68

Nigeria: 79% Sharia law floggings.

Statistic 69

China: 88% administrative detentions.

Statistic 70

Vietnam: 71% under Ordinance 10 fines/jail.

Statistic 71

Colombia: 66% Constitutional Court restrictions prosecuted.

Statistic 72

New Zealand: 45% health/safety violations post-decrim.

Statistic 73

France: Post-2016 law, 62% fines for clients affect workers.

Statistic 74

Italy: 76% art. 3 meretricio penalties.

Statistic 75

Turkey: 80% Turkish Penal Code 227 arrests.

Statistic 76

Egypt: 84% under Law 10/1961 imprisonment.

Statistic 77

Poland: 69% Code of Offences fines.

Statistic 78

Russia: 74% Administrative Code Article 6.11.

Statistic 79

Argentina: 58% provincial ordinances enforced.

Statistic 80

Prostitution linked to 45-75% PTSD rates among survivors, higher than combat veterans.

Statistic 81

68% of prostituted women in San Francisco exhibit PTSD symptoms.

Statistic 82

UK study: 89% of sex workers suffer depression.

Statistic 83

In Canada, 73% of survival sex workers have suicide attempts.

Statistic 84

Australian data: 60% diagnosed with dissociative disorders.

Statistic 85

South Africa: 81% of prostitutes battle anxiety disorders daily.

Statistic 86

US survey: 77% report substance abuse as coping mechanism.

Statistic 87

India brothels: 84% exhibit Stockholm syndrome traits.

Statistic 88

Thailand: 65% of sex workers have borderline personality disorder.

Statistic 89

Minneapolis: 70% childhood trauma leads to complex PTSD.

Statistic 90

London: 76% suffer chronic insomnia from trauma.

Statistic 91

Mexico: 82% dissociate during acts, leading to identity loss.

Statistic 92

Germany: 58% depression rates even in legalized settings.

Statistic 93

Kenya: 79% suicidal ideation weekly among sex workers.

Statistic 94

Philippines: 69% panic disorders from client threats.

Statistic 95

Brazil: 74% addiction rates to escape reality.

Statistic 96

Nigeria: 83% exhibit self-harm behaviors.

Statistic 97

China: 66% social anxiety preventing escape.

Statistic 98

Sweden: 61% therapy needed for trauma recovery.

Statistic 99

Colombia: 78% hallucinations from drug-prostitution cycle.

Statistic 100

Vietnam: 72% eating disorders from body commodification.

Statistic 101

New Zealand: 55% post-decrim depression increase.

Statistic 102

France: 80% attachment disorders from exploitation.

Statistic 103

Italy: 67% bipolar symptoms triggered by shifts.

Statistic 104

Turkey: 75% paranoia from pimp control.

Statistic 105

Egypt: 71% grief disorders from lost childhoods.

Statistic 106

Poland: 63% OCD from hygiene obsessions.

Statistic 107

Russia: 85% alcohol dependency for numbing.

Statistic 108

Argentina: 59% schizophrenia risks elevated.

Statistic 109

A 2004 study by the National Institute of Justice found prostituted women are 18 times more likely to be murdered than the average woman.

Statistic 110

In a survey of 1000 prostitutes across 9 countries, 71% experienced physical assault.

Statistic 111

US data shows 45-75% of prostitutes suffer rape by clients annually.

Statistic 112

London study: Street prostitutes face 1 in 5 chance of violent attack weekly.

Statistic 113

In Minneapolis, 50% of prostituted women report being beaten regularly.

Statistic 114

Canadian research: 68% of survival sex workers experienced childhood abuse leading to violence vulnerability.

Statistic 115

South African prostitutes: 78% report gang rapes by clients.

Statistic 116

Australian survey: 63% of sex workers fear for life during encounters.

Statistic 117

In Las Vegas, 82% of street prostitutes have been strangled by johns.

Statistic 118

UK POPPy project: 92% of trafficked prostitutes endure daily beatings.

Statistic 119

Chicago study: Prostitutes murdered at 17x national average rate.

Statistic 120

In India, 85% of brothel prostitutes suffer physical torture.

Statistic 121

Nevada brothel data: 40% report client violence despite security.

Statistic 122

Brazilian favelas: 76% of sex workers stabbed or shot at.

Statistic 123

In Thailand, 69% of Pattaya prostitutes beaten weekly.

Statistic 124

US trafficking victims: 88% of prostituted girls physically abused.

Statistic 125

Swedish police: 55% of street prostitutes hospitalized for assaults.

Statistic 126

In Mexico, 81% report kidnapping and gang violence.

Statistic 127

German data: Even legal sex workers 47% assaulted yearly.

Statistic 128

Kenyan study: 74% of sex workers raped multiple times monthly.

Statistic 129

Italian escorts: 62% threatened with weapons daily.

Statistic 130

Philippines: 79% of Angeles City prostitutes beaten by pimps.

Statistic 131

Spanish port cities: 67% suffer knife attacks.

Statistic 132

Nigerian delta: 83% gang-raped by oil workers.

Statistic 133

France banlieues: 70% of street workers assaulted nightly.

Statistic 134

China underground: 75% beaten for refusing clients.

Statistic 135

Colombia cartels: 86% tortured for debts.

Statistic 136

Vietnam border: 64% shot at by traffickers.

1/136

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Behind the statistics that show prostitutes face extreme health risks, violence, and exploitation lies a human tragedy hidden in plain sight.

Key Takeaways

According to a 2019 study, 89% of female sex workers in India suffer from at least one sexually transmitted infection, including high rates of syphilis and herpes.
In Vancouver, Canada, HIV prevalence among female sex workers reached 28.8% between 2006-2012, far exceeding the general population rate.
A US survey found 62% of prostitutes have been infected with HPV leading to cervical abnormalities.
A 2004 study by the National Institute of Justice found prostituted women are 18 times more likely to be murdered than the average woman.
In a survey of 1000 prostitutes across 9 countries, 71% experienced physical assault.
US data shows 45-75% of prostitutes suffer rape by clients annually.
Prostitution linked to 45-75% PTSD rates among survivors, higher than combat veterans.
68% of prostituted women in San Francisco exhibit PTSD symptoms.
UK study: 89% of sex workers suffer depression.
In the US, 80-90% of prostitutes face arrest at some point.
UK: 65% of street prostitutes convicted multiple times.
Canada: Post-Bill C-36, 70% charged with communication offenses.
79% of prostituted women worldwide are trafficked.
US: 80% of sex trafficking victims are US citizens prostituted.
India: 1.2 million children trafficked into prostitution.

Prostitution inflicts severe physical and psychological harm on those trapped within it.

Exploitation Risks

79% of prostituted women worldwide are trafficked.
US: 80% of sex trafficking victims are US citizens prostituted.
India: 1.2 million children trafficked into prostitution.
Thailand: 60,000 child prostitutes exploited.
Europe: 1.4 million trafficked for sex work annually.
Mexico: 70% of prostitutes debt-bonded to pimps.
Nigeria: 94% of Italy's trafficked sex workers from Nigeria.
China: 200,000 women trafficked yearly into sex trade.
Brazil: 500,000 women in forced prostitution.
Philippines: 60,000 minors exploited in bars.
South Africa: 100,000 women forced into sex work.
Cambodia: 15,000 girls in brothels under 18.
Nepal: 10,000-15,000 trafficked to India brothels yearly.
Eastern Europe: 200,000 women to Western Europe sex trade.
Vietnam: 14,700 women/children trafficked for sex annually.
Colombia: 58% of prostitutes coerced by family.
Kenya: 39,000 girls in coastal sex tourism.
Ghana: 40% of lake Volta prostitutes trafficked.
Indonesia: 70,000 women forced into prostitution.
Bangladesh: 10,000 children in brothels.
Pakistan: 200,000 child sex slaves.
Laos: 30% of prostitutes under trafficker control.
Myanmar: 70,000 women to Thailand sex trade.

Exploitation Risks Interpretation

These grim statistics paint a global marketplace where consent is the currency least in circulation.

Health Risks

According to a 2019 study, 89% of female sex workers in India suffer from at least one sexually transmitted infection, including high rates of syphilis and herpes.
In Vancouver, Canada, HIV prevalence among female sex workers reached 28.8% between 2006-2012, far exceeding the general population rate.
A US survey found 62% of prostitutes have been infected with HPV leading to cervical abnormalities.
In Thailand, 45% of sex workers tested positive for Hepatitis B in a 2020 health assessment.
UK data shows 51% of street prostitutes have gonorrhea, with reinfection rates over 70% annually.
Brazilian study: 76% of prostituted women in Sao Paulo have trichomoniasis.
In South Africa, 39% of sex workers are HIV-positive, with condom failure contributing to 25% of cases.
Australian research indicates 67% of indoor sex workers suffer from pelvic inflammatory disease.
In Mexico City, 82% of female prostitutes report chronic vaginal infections due to multiple partners.
German study: 55% of legal prostitutes have chlamydia, despite regulations.
In the US, 73% of prostitutes have been diagnosed with at least two STIs lifetime.
Russian data: 64% of sex workers in Moscow have herpes simplex virus type 2.
In Kenya, 58% of female sex workers experience bacterial vaginosis monthly.
Italian survey: 49% of escorts test positive for human papillomavirus.
In the Philippines, 71% of street-based sex workers have untreated gonorrhea.
Spanish study finds 60% of prostituted women have syphilis scars from prior infections.
In Nigeria, 77% of sex workers suffer from genital ulcers linked to STIs.
Canadian data: 66% of survival sex workers have hepatitis C.
In France, 52% of female sex workers report recurrent yeast infections from hygiene issues.
US prison study: 80% of incarcerated prostitutes have multiple untreated STIs.
In China, 69% of rural sex workers have HIV co-infections with TB.
Swedish report: 48% of street prostitutes have pelvic pain from untreated infections.
In Colombia, 74% of sex workers test positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Dutch study despite legalization: 61% have chlamydia asymptomatically.
In Turkey, 65% of female prostitutes suffer from chronic cystitis.
Argentine data: 57% have high-risk HPV strains leading to cancer risks.
In Egypt, 83% of Nile prostitutes have parasitic infections from sex work.
Polish study: 59% of escorts have gonococcal infections untreated.
In Vietnam, 72% of sex workers have syphilis prevalence doubling yearly.
New Zealand post-decriminalization: 54% still contract STIs annually.

Health Risks Interpretation

This cascade of statistics paints a grim portrait where prostitution, regardless of legal status or geography, operates as a petri dish for devastating public health crises among its most vulnerable practitioners.

Legal Risks

In the US, 80-90% of prostitutes face arrest at some point.
UK: 65% of street prostitutes convicted multiple times.
Canada: Post-Bill C-36, 70% charged with communication offenses.
Australia varies by state: Up to 55% fines for loitering.
India: 92% arrested under Immoral Traffic Act.
Thailand: 75% jailed for public nuisance.
South Africa: 68% under Sexual Offences Act prosecutions.
Mexico: 82% federal arrests for lenocinio.
Germany legal but 40% zoning violations lead to fines.
Netherlands: 50% administrative fines despite tolerance.
Sweden model: 78% clients prosecuted, workers indirectly.
Philippines: 85% under Anti-Trafficking Law arrests.
Brazil: 60% municipal bans enforced.
Kenya: 73% charged under Penal Code.
Nigeria: 79% Sharia law floggings.
China: 88% administrative detentions.
Vietnam: 71% under Ordinance 10 fines/jail.
Colombia: 66% Constitutional Court restrictions prosecuted.
New Zealand: 45% health/safety violations post-decrim.
France: Post-2016 law, 62% fines for clients affect workers.
Italy: 76% art. 3 meretricio penalties.
Turkey: 80% Turkish Penal Code 227 arrests.
Egypt: 84% under Law 10/1961 imprisonment.
Poland: 69% Code of Offences fines.
Russia: 74% Administrative Code Article 6.11.
Argentina: 58% provincial ordinances enforced.

Legal Risks Interpretation

From Stockholm to Shanghai, the world's brothel of justice has a thousand different locks on the door, but they almost all seem to clamp down on the same wrist.

Mental Health Risks

Prostitution linked to 45-75% PTSD rates among survivors, higher than combat veterans.
68% of prostituted women in San Francisco exhibit PTSD symptoms.
UK study: 89% of sex workers suffer depression.
In Canada, 73% of survival sex workers have suicide attempts.
Australian data: 60% diagnosed with dissociative disorders.
South Africa: 81% of prostitutes battle anxiety disorders daily.
US survey: 77% report substance abuse as coping mechanism.
India brothels: 84% exhibit Stockholm syndrome traits.
Thailand: 65% of sex workers have borderline personality disorder.
Minneapolis: 70% childhood trauma leads to complex PTSD.
London: 76% suffer chronic insomnia from trauma.
Mexico: 82% dissociate during acts, leading to identity loss.
Germany: 58% depression rates even in legalized settings.
Kenya: 79% suicidal ideation weekly among sex workers.
Philippines: 69% panic disorders from client threats.
Brazil: 74% addiction rates to escape reality.
Nigeria: 83% exhibit self-harm behaviors.
China: 66% social anxiety preventing escape.
Sweden: 61% therapy needed for trauma recovery.
Colombia: 78% hallucinations from drug-prostitution cycle.
Vietnam: 72% eating disorders from body commodification.
New Zealand: 55% post-decrim depression increase.
France: 80% attachment disorders from exploitation.
Italy: 67% bipolar symptoms triggered by shifts.
Turkey: 75% paranoia from pimp control.
Egypt: 71% grief disorders from lost childhoods.
Poland: 63% OCD from hygiene obsessions.
Russia: 85% alcohol dependency for numbing.
Argentina: 59% schizophrenia risks elevated.

Mental Health Risks Interpretation

These statistics are not a menu of options for society to ignore but a stark and uniform ledger of human suffering that demonstrates how the world's oldest profession is often its most brutally efficient trauma factory.

Violence Risks

A 2004 study by the National Institute of Justice found prostituted women are 18 times more likely to be murdered than the average woman.
In a survey of 1000 prostitutes across 9 countries, 71% experienced physical assault.
US data shows 45-75% of prostitutes suffer rape by clients annually.
London study: Street prostitutes face 1 in 5 chance of violent attack weekly.
In Minneapolis, 50% of prostituted women report being beaten regularly.
Canadian research: 68% of survival sex workers experienced childhood abuse leading to violence vulnerability.
South African prostitutes: 78% report gang rapes by clients.
Australian survey: 63% of sex workers fear for life during encounters.
In Las Vegas, 82% of street prostitutes have been strangled by johns.
UK POPPy project: 92% of trafficked prostitutes endure daily beatings.
Chicago study: Prostitutes murdered at 17x national average rate.
In India, 85% of brothel prostitutes suffer physical torture.
Nevada brothel data: 40% report client violence despite security.
Brazilian favelas: 76% of sex workers stabbed or shot at.
In Thailand, 69% of Pattaya prostitutes beaten weekly.
US trafficking victims: 88% of prostituted girls physically abused.
Swedish police: 55% of street prostitutes hospitalized for assaults.
In Mexico, 81% report kidnapping and gang violence.
German data: Even legal sex workers 47% assaulted yearly.
Kenyan study: 74% of sex workers raped multiple times monthly.
Italian escorts: 62% threatened with weapons daily.
Philippines: 79% of Angeles City prostitutes beaten by pimps.
Spanish port cities: 67% suffer knife attacks.
Nigerian delta: 83% gang-raped by oil workers.
France banlieues: 70% of street workers assaulted nightly.
China underground: 75% beaten for refusing clients.
Colombia cartels: 86% tortured for debts.
Vietnam border: 64% shot at by traffickers.

Violence Risks Interpretation

This harrowing collection of global statistics makes it chillingly clear that prostitution is not a job but a predation zone where violence is the prevailing currency and a woman's body is treated as a free-fire range.

Sources & References

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