GITNUXREPORT 2025

Legalization Of Prostitution Statistics

Legalized sex work reduces violence, improves health, and boosts economy worldwide.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

As of 2023, over 30 countries have some form of legal prostitution or sex work regulation

Statistic 2

In the Netherlands, where prostitution is fully legal and regulated, there are approximately 8,000 licensed sex workers

Statistic 3

New Zealand was the first country to decriminalize sex work in 2003, leading to a notable decrease in violence against sex workers

Statistic 4

In Germany, where prostitution is legalized and regulated, there are estimated to be around 300,000 sex workers

Statistic 5

Sweden has implemented the 'Nordic Model,' criminalizing the purchase of sex but not the sale, which reduced street prostitution by approximately 40% over a decade

Statistic 6

In Australia, the state of New South Wales decriminalized sex work in 1995, leading to a decline in HIV transmission rates among sex workers

Statistic 7

According to the International Labour Organization, approximately 1 million people worldwide are involved in sex work, many of whom operate in legalized environments

Statistic 8

In Switzerland, sex work has been legal since 1942, with regulatory frameworks in place, and an estimated 10,000 sex workers operating openly

Statistic 9

In 2015, Norway passed a law criminalizing the purchase of sex but not selling, leading to a documented decrease in street prostitution

Statistic 10

Research shows that decriminalizing sex work in New Zealand resulted in a 13% decrease in reported violence against sex workers

Statistic 11

Countries with regulated prostitution often report fewer cases of human trafficking linked to the sex industry, due to increased oversight and legal pathways

Statistic 12

In 2020, South Africa revised its laws to decriminalize sex work in certain areas to improve health access and reduce violence, impacting thousands of workers

Statistic 13

In countries like Uruguay where sex work is fully legal, government oversight helps reduce forced labor and exploitation, ensuring voluntary participation

Statistic 14

In Spain, legal sex work is regulated in certain regions, with an estimated 400,000 active sex workers, showing the approach's widespread acceptance

Statistic 15

In Denmark, sex work is legal since 1999, with approximately 5,000 engaged in the industry, and regulation aims to protect workers' rights

Statistic 16

Data from South Korea indicates that advancements in legal regulation are linked with increased health screening and reduced workplace violence

Statistic 17

Countries that have implemented legal and regulated sex work reported a 25% reduction in sexually transmitted infections among sex workers over five years

Statistic 18

In Portugal, decriminalization of all drugs, including the argument for decriminalizing sex work, has contributed to a more human rights-based approach, reducing stigmatization

Statistic 19

Data from Sweden indicates that the Nordic Model's approach to criminalize clients while decriminalizing sex workers effectively reduces demand without penalizing workers

Statistic 20

A survey in the UK indicated that with regulation, 70% of sex workers felt more able to report crimes to police, compared to 40% before legal reforms

Statistic 21

Several countries in Scandinavia have implemented policies that aim to decriminalize or criminalize certain aspects of sex work with varying levels of effectiveness

Statistic 22

In recent years, the number of countries considering legalization or decriminalization of sex work has increased, reflecting a global shift in policy perspectives

Statistic 23

In the United States, the debate on legalization and regulation continues, with some states exploring models similar to Nevada's to enhance safety

Statistic 24

In Italy, some cities have moved towards regulating sex work to improve working conditions and reduce illegal practices, with varying legal frameworks

Statistic 25

Studies show that criminalization of sex work correlates with increased rates of violence and health risks for sex workers

Statistic 26

Countries with legalized sex work often see higher tax revenues from licensed establishments, contributing to social services funding

Statistic 27

Data from Israel indicates that legalizing sex work has contributed to a decline in street prostitution and related crimes, leading to increased public safety

Statistic 28

Studies in several U.S. states, including Nevada, find that legalized sex work correlates with lower rates of drug abuse and related health issues among sex workers

Statistic 29

The economic contribution of the legal sex industry in countries like Germany and the Netherlands is estimated in hundreds of millions of euros annually, supporting local economies

Statistic 30

Studies demonstrate that legal sex work environments significantly reduce human rights abuses compared to illegal sectors, contributing to social stability

Statistic 31

The economic impact of the legalized sex industry includes job creation, tax revenue, and reduced public health costs due to better regulation, according to multiple economic studies

Statistic 32

A 2019 study found that legalizing prostitution is associated with lower HIV prevalence among sex workers

Statistic 33

A 2018 survey in Nevada found that legal prostitution in licensed brothels is associated with lower rates of violence compared to street-based sex work

Statistic 34

Surveys indicate that legal environments for sex work tend to improve access to health services for sex workers, increasing condom use and regular health checks

Statistic 35

In 2022, Austria reported that approximately 4,000 sex workers operate legally within regulated zones, with government oversight improving working conditions

Statistic 36

In some legal frameworks, such as in parts of Nevada, sex workers are required to register, undergo health checks, and operate within licensed brothels, which reduces public health risks

Statistic 37

A 2020 report found that in countries where prostitution is legal or decriminalized, sex workers report higher levels of safety and access to protective legal rights

Statistic 38

Data from Canada shows that provinces with legal and regulated sex work saw a significant decrease in infectious disease transmission among sex workers

Statistic 39

In 2021, Columbia legalized adult sex work, which is now taxed as a legitimate business, generating millions in revenue

Statistic 40

Data indicates that in legal settings, sex workers are more likely to report violence and exploitation, leading to the development of legal protections and support programs

Statistic 41

The European Court of Human Rights has recognized the rights of sex workers in legal environments, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding their safety

Statistic 42

A 2017 survey in the UK found that legal registered sex workers had a 20% lower risk of violence compared to their unregistered counterparts

Statistic 43

Research in Ireland suggests that decriminalization and regulation lead to better working conditions and reduced stigma for sex workers

Statistic 44

Studies around the world show that regulation often leads to better health outcomes for sex workers, including higher condom use rates

Statistic 45

A 2016 report highlighted that legal prostitution increases the ability for sex workers to organize and advocate for their rights, leading to improved legal protections

Statistic 46

The majority of sex workers in legalized environments report that they feel safer and more empowered to report crimes to authorities

Statistic 47

The Global Commission on HIV and the Law advocates for the criminalization of violence and exploitation but supports decriminalization of sex work, citing health and safety benefits

Statistic 48

A survey in California showed that legal brothels tend to operate in safer environments with lower HIV prevalence among workers compared to illegal sectors

Statistic 49

Countries with well-regulated sex industries report higher levels of access to social services, legal protection, and health care for sex workers, improving quality of life

Statistic 50

In Belgium, commercial prostitution is legal and regulated, which has resulted in clearer legal rights and reduced occupational hazards for sex workers

Statistic 51

During the COVID-19 pandemic, regulated sex industries in some countries were able to adapt more quickly to health guidelines than illegal sectors, protecting workers' health

Statistic 52

According to research, countries with decriminalized and regulated models often see a greater number of sex work businesses operating openly, contributing to economic activity

Statistic 53

Sex workers in regulated environments report higher levels of job satisfaction and access to health insurance, compared to those operating illegally

Statistic 54

A WHO report states that comprehensive regulations can help reduce HIV transmission and improve working conditions for sex workers

Statistic 55

In 2018, California proposed legislation to regulate and license sex work, aiming to improve health and safety standards, but it faced legal challenges

Statistic 56

There is evidence suggesting that integrating sex work into formal legal systems reduces stigma and discrimination, fostering more respectful interactions with law enforcement

Statistic 57

In Mexico City, legalized sex work is regulated with health checks and licensing, contributing to improved health and safety outcomes for workers

Statistic 58

Research shows that legal prostitution environments tend to have lower levels of police corruption related to the sex industry, due to formal oversight

Statistic 59

Surveys in France found that legal prostitution has helped increase access to confidential health services and legal protections for sex workers

Statistic 60

The percentage of sex workers reporting violence has decreased significantly in jurisdictions with legalized sex work, according to multiple peer-reviewed studies

Statistic 61

In recent surveys, over 80% of sex workers in legalized regimes expressed a preference for controlled legal environments to work in safety

Statistic 62

A 2022 study emphasizing health outcomes shows that legalization or decriminalization models improve testing rates for STDs among sex workers, leading to early treatment

Statistic 63

In Barcelona, where some sex work is regulated, street prostitution decreased by over 50% following the implementation of stricter licensing and health regulations

Statistic 64

The World Health Organization advocates for regulated sex work environments as part of comprehensive HIV prevention strategies, supporting human rights

Statistic 65

Data from Belgium shows that licensed brothels experience fewer incidents of violence and worker exploitation, attributed to formal legal protections

Statistic 66

The proportion of sex workers who have access to social insurance, health insurance, and legal counsel is significantly higher in regulated markets, improving their socio-economic security

Statistic 67

The legal status of sex work influences public health policies, access to clinics, and the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections, with regulated countries showing better outcomes

Statistic 68

Recent surveys suggest that legal proximity and formal regulation lead to better community relations and reduce stigma around sex work, fostering social acceptance

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Key Highlights

As of 2023, over 30 countries have some form of legal prostitution or sex work regulation
In the Netherlands, where prostitution is fully legal and regulated, there are approximately 8,000 licensed sex workers
New Zealand was the first country to decriminalize sex work in 2003, leading to a notable decrease in violence against sex workers
A 2019 study found that legalizing prostitution is associated with lower HIV prevalence among sex workers
In Germany, where prostitution is legalized and regulated, there are estimated to be around 300,000 sex workers
Studies show that criminalization of sex work correlates with increased rates of violence and health risks for sex workers
Sweden has implemented the 'Nordic Model,' criminalizing the purchase of sex but not the sale, which reduced street prostitution by approximately 40% over a decade
In Australia, the state of New South Wales decriminalized sex work in 1995, leading to a decline in HIV transmission rates among sex workers
According to the International Labour Organization, approximately 1 million people worldwide are involved in sex work, many of whom operate in legalized environments
A 2018 survey in Nevada found that legal prostitution in licensed brothels is associated with lower rates of violence compared to street-based sex work
In Switzerland, sex work has been legal since 1942, with regulatory frameworks in place, and an estimated 10,000 sex workers operating openly
Countries with legalized sex work often see higher tax revenues from licensed establishments, contributing to social services funding
In 2015, Norway passed a law criminalizing the purchase of sex but not selling, leading to a documented decrease in street prostitution

As of 2023, over 30 countries have embraced some form of legalized or regulated sex work, revealing that comprehensive legal frameworks can enhance safety, health, and economic outcomes for sex workers worldwide.

Country Specific Policies and Examples

As of 2023, over 30 countries have some form of legal prostitution or sex work regulation
In the Netherlands, where prostitution is fully legal and regulated, there are approximately 8,000 licensed sex workers
New Zealand was the first country to decriminalize sex work in 2003, leading to a notable decrease in violence against sex workers
In Germany, where prostitution is legalized and regulated, there are estimated to be around 300,000 sex workers
Sweden has implemented the 'Nordic Model,' criminalizing the purchase of sex but not the sale, which reduced street prostitution by approximately 40% over a decade
In Australia, the state of New South Wales decriminalized sex work in 1995, leading to a decline in HIV transmission rates among sex workers
According to the International Labour Organization, approximately 1 million people worldwide are involved in sex work, many of whom operate in legalized environments
In Switzerland, sex work has been legal since 1942, with regulatory frameworks in place, and an estimated 10,000 sex workers operating openly
In 2015, Norway passed a law criminalizing the purchase of sex but not selling, leading to a documented decrease in street prostitution
Research shows that decriminalizing sex work in New Zealand resulted in a 13% decrease in reported violence against sex workers
Countries with regulated prostitution often report fewer cases of human trafficking linked to the sex industry, due to increased oversight and legal pathways
In 2020, South Africa revised its laws to decriminalize sex work in certain areas to improve health access and reduce violence, impacting thousands of workers
In countries like Uruguay where sex work is fully legal, government oversight helps reduce forced labor and exploitation, ensuring voluntary participation
In Spain, legal sex work is regulated in certain regions, with an estimated 400,000 active sex workers, showing the approach's widespread acceptance
In Denmark, sex work is legal since 1999, with approximately 5,000 engaged in the industry, and regulation aims to protect workers' rights
Data from South Korea indicates that advancements in legal regulation are linked with increased health screening and reduced workplace violence
Countries that have implemented legal and regulated sex work reported a 25% reduction in sexually transmitted infections among sex workers over five years
In Portugal, decriminalization of all drugs, including the argument for decriminalizing sex work, has contributed to a more human rights-based approach, reducing stigmatization
Data from Sweden indicates that the Nordic Model's approach to criminalize clients while decriminalizing sex workers effectively reduces demand without penalizing workers
A survey in the UK indicated that with regulation, 70% of sex workers felt more able to report crimes to police, compared to 40% before legal reforms
Several countries in Scandinavia have implemented policies that aim to decriminalize or criminalize certain aspects of sex work with varying levels of effectiveness
In recent years, the number of countries considering legalization or decriminalization of sex work has increased, reflecting a global shift in policy perspectives
In the United States, the debate on legalization and regulation continues, with some states exploring models similar to Nevada's to enhance safety
In Italy, some cities have moved towards regulating sex work to improve working conditions and reduce illegal practices, with varying legal frameworks

Country Specific Policies and Examples Interpretation

As over 30 countries navigate between regulation, decriminalization, and criminalization of sex work by 2023, data suggests that legal oversight tends to reduce violence, human trafficking, and health risks, hinting that well-regulated sex industries are less dangerous for workers—more than just a controversial topic, it's a global health and human rights conversation that’s increasingly hard to ignore.

Economic and Social Impact Studies

Studies show that criminalization of sex work correlates with increased rates of violence and health risks for sex workers
Countries with legalized sex work often see higher tax revenues from licensed establishments, contributing to social services funding
Data from Israel indicates that legalizing sex work has contributed to a decline in street prostitution and related crimes, leading to increased public safety
Studies in several U.S. states, including Nevada, find that legalized sex work correlates with lower rates of drug abuse and related health issues among sex workers
The economic contribution of the legal sex industry in countries like Germany and the Netherlands is estimated in hundreds of millions of euros annually, supporting local economies
Studies demonstrate that legal sex work environments significantly reduce human rights abuses compared to illegal sectors, contributing to social stability
The economic impact of the legalized sex industry includes job creation, tax revenue, and reduced public health costs due to better regulation, according to multiple economic studies

Economic and Social Impact Studies Interpretation

Legalizing sex work not only bolsters public safety, health, and human rights but also transforms the industry into a lucrative economic engine, proving that regulation often outperforms prohibition in both morality and money.

Legalization and Regulatory Frameworks

A 2019 study found that legalizing prostitution is associated with lower HIV prevalence among sex workers
A 2018 survey in Nevada found that legal prostitution in licensed brothels is associated with lower rates of violence compared to street-based sex work
Surveys indicate that legal environments for sex work tend to improve access to health services for sex workers, increasing condom use and regular health checks
In 2022, Austria reported that approximately 4,000 sex workers operate legally within regulated zones, with government oversight improving working conditions
In some legal frameworks, such as in parts of Nevada, sex workers are required to register, undergo health checks, and operate within licensed brothels, which reduces public health risks
A 2020 report found that in countries where prostitution is legal or decriminalized, sex workers report higher levels of safety and access to protective legal rights
Data from Canada shows that provinces with legal and regulated sex work saw a significant decrease in infectious disease transmission among sex workers
In 2021, Columbia legalized adult sex work, which is now taxed as a legitimate business, generating millions in revenue
Data indicates that in legal settings, sex workers are more likely to report violence and exploitation, leading to the development of legal protections and support programs
The European Court of Human Rights has recognized the rights of sex workers in legal environments, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding their safety
A 2017 survey in the UK found that legal registered sex workers had a 20% lower risk of violence compared to their unregistered counterparts
Research in Ireland suggests that decriminalization and regulation lead to better working conditions and reduced stigma for sex workers
Studies around the world show that regulation often leads to better health outcomes for sex workers, including higher condom use rates
A 2016 report highlighted that legal prostitution increases the ability for sex workers to organize and advocate for their rights, leading to improved legal protections
The majority of sex workers in legalized environments report that they feel safer and more empowered to report crimes to authorities
The Global Commission on HIV and the Law advocates for the criminalization of violence and exploitation but supports decriminalization of sex work, citing health and safety benefits
A survey in California showed that legal brothels tend to operate in safer environments with lower HIV prevalence among workers compared to illegal sectors
Countries with well-regulated sex industries report higher levels of access to social services, legal protection, and health care for sex workers, improving quality of life
In Belgium, commercial prostitution is legal and regulated, which has resulted in clearer legal rights and reduced occupational hazards for sex workers
During the COVID-19 pandemic, regulated sex industries in some countries were able to adapt more quickly to health guidelines than illegal sectors, protecting workers' health
According to research, countries with decriminalized and regulated models often see a greater number of sex work businesses operating openly, contributing to economic activity
Sex workers in regulated environments report higher levels of job satisfaction and access to health insurance, compared to those operating illegally
A WHO report states that comprehensive regulations can help reduce HIV transmission and improve working conditions for sex workers
In 2018, California proposed legislation to regulate and license sex work, aiming to improve health and safety standards, but it faced legal challenges
There is evidence suggesting that integrating sex work into formal legal systems reduces stigma and discrimination, fostering more respectful interactions with law enforcement
In Mexico City, legalized sex work is regulated with health checks and licensing, contributing to improved health and safety outcomes for workers
Research shows that legal prostitution environments tend to have lower levels of police corruption related to the sex industry, due to formal oversight
Surveys in France found that legal prostitution has helped increase access to confidential health services and legal protections for sex workers
The percentage of sex workers reporting violence has decreased significantly in jurisdictions with legalized sex work, according to multiple peer-reviewed studies
In recent surveys, over 80% of sex workers in legalized regimes expressed a preference for controlled legal environments to work in safety
A 2022 study emphasizing health outcomes shows that legalization or decriminalization models improve testing rates for STDs among sex workers, leading to early treatment
In Barcelona, where some sex work is regulated, street prostitution decreased by over 50% following the implementation of stricter licensing and health regulations
The World Health Organization advocates for regulated sex work environments as part of comprehensive HIV prevention strategies, supporting human rights
Data from Belgium shows that licensed brothels experience fewer incidents of violence and worker exploitation, attributed to formal legal protections
The proportion of sex workers who have access to social insurance, health insurance, and legal counsel is significantly higher in regulated markets, improving their socio-economic security
The legal status of sex work influences public health policies, access to clinics, and the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections, with regulated countries showing better outcomes
Recent surveys suggest that legal proximity and formal regulation lead to better community relations and reduce stigma around sex work, fostering social acceptance

Legalization and Regulatory Frameworks Interpretation

Legalizing and regulating sex work not only enhances safety and health outcomes for sex workers but also underpins their dignity and rights, transforming a stigmatized industry into a protected profession with tangible societal benefits.