GITNUXREPORT 2025

Prostitution Government Statistics

Global effort needed to address trafficking, violence, regulation, and safety challenges.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The rate of arrest of sex workers varies significantly; in some regions, up to 60% of street-based sex workers report being frequently detained or criminalized

Statistic 2

Efforts to criminalize clients of sex workers, such as the Nordic model, have been implemented in countries like Sweden, Norway, and Canada, with mixed results on reducing exploitation

Statistic 3

A 2017 survey in Canada found that approximately 60% of sex workers experience repeated police harassment, influencing their willingness to report crimes

Statistic 4

Globally, an estimated 1 million people are trafficked every year for the purpose of prostitution

Statistic 5

According to the Global Slavery Index 2018, an estimated 3.8 million people are living in forced sexual exploitation worldwide

Statistic 6

According to the 2019 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, women and girls account for 72% of human trafficking victims globally, many of whom are trafficked for sexual exploitation

Statistic 7

According to the 2017 Global Slavery Index, Asia-Pacific has the highest number of people living in modern slavery, with a significant portion involved in forced sexual exploitation

Statistic 8

The UNODC estimates that about 80% of trafficked women are exploited in sex industries, with the rest trafficked for forced labor, domestic servitude, or other purposes

Statistic 9

According to data from the U.S. Department of Justice, federal prosecution of human traffickers increased by 50% from 2010 to 2018, indicating heightened government enforcement efforts

Statistic 10

The Philippines has one of the highest rates of sex trafficking in Southeast Asia, with an estimated 1 million people involved or at risk of trafficking

Statistic 11

The average age of entry into prostitution worldwide is estimated to be between 12 and 16 years old, indicating the vulnerability of minors

Statistic 12

According to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, organized crime groups often exploit prostitution networks to launder money and transport illicit goods, with revenues estimated at billions annually

Statistic 13

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that around 70% of trafficked persons are women and girls, primarily exploited for sexual purposes

Statistic 14

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation reported a 30% increase in human trafficking cases involving sexual exploitation from 2015 to 2020, indicating growing government action

Statistic 15

According to a 2018 report, approximately 60% of trafficked persons are victims of forced sexual exploitation, showing the significant focus of traffickers on the sex industry

Statistic 16

The majority of human trafficking victims (approximately 76%) are women, many of whom are exploited sexually, according to the International Labour Organization

Statistic 17

Data from the Australian Institute of Criminology indicates that sex trafficking cases have increased by 25% over the last five years, highlighting ongoing challenges in law enforcement

Statistic 18

In Mexico, prostitution is legal in certain areas, but trafficking and exploitation remain widespread, with over 300,000 women estimated to be involved in sex work nationwide

Statistic 19

The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe reports that organized crime frequently uses prostitution networks for money laundering, with illicit proceeds reaching billions annually in the region

Statistic 20

The majority of victims trafficked for sexual exploitation are women aged 18-24, making this demographic the most vulnerable group, according to UNODC

Statistic 21

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reports that anti-trafficking operations resulted in over 200 rescues and 150 arrests statewide in 2022, reflecting active law enforcement efforts

Statistic 22

Reports suggest that in Central America, gangs and organized crime groups control most prostitution and trafficking activities, generating significant revenue and maintaining violence

Statistic 23

According to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, approximately 3,000 organized crime groups are involved in trafficking and exploiting sex workers worldwide, with a combined revenue exceeding $150 billion annually

Statistic 24

Research indicates that high levels of police corruption in certain countries impede efforts to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation, undermining government initiatives

Statistic 25

The UK government allocated approximately £3 million annually to combat human trafficking and prostitution-related crimes as part of its national strategy, aiming to increase victim support and enforcement

Statistic 26

Data from 2020 shows that in Nigeria, about 15,000 minors are trafficked annually for sexual exploitation, many through organized networks, highlighting critical regional challenges

Statistic 27

According to a 2021 report by the European Commission, more than 70% of trafficked persons exploited sexually are women, and most cases go unreported due to fear and stigma, complicating government responses

Statistic 28

In South America, countries such as Colombia and Venezuela face significant challenges with sex trafficking, with estimates of over 50,000 victims trafficked annually, often linked to armed conflict and criminal groups

Statistic 29

In Greece, prostitution is legally regulated, with many sex workers operating in licensed venues; however, illegal trafficking and exploitation persist, with 15-20% of sex workers believed to be trafficking victims

Statistic 30

The International Labour Organization estimates that globally, approximately 4.8 million people are in some form of forced sexual exploitation, constituting the largest share of enslaved persons

Statistic 31

According to reports, Russian authorities have increased crackdowns on illegal prostitution zones, leading to the detention of thousands of women; despite this, underground networks remain active

Statistic 32

In 2019, the European Parliament called for the full decriminalization of sex work across the EU to improve health and safety conditions for workers

Statistic 33

Sweden decriminalized the buying of sex in 1999, leading to a reported 42% decrease in street prostitution by 2003

Statistic 34

A 2014 study in Australia found that approximately 85% of sex workers felt safer working in legalized environments

Statistic 35

The UK introduced the Sexual Offences Act 2003, decriminalizing prostitution but criminalizing activities such as brothel keeping and soliciting in certain areas

Statistic 36

In Nevada, prostitution is legal and regulated in licensed brothels; in 2021, there were 21 licensed brothels operating legally within the state

Statistic 37

In Japan, the Anti-Prostitution Law criminalizes the act of prostitution, but online sex work and “soaplands” (hotels offering sexual services) continue to operate, indicating ongoing tensions with regulation

Statistic 38

In France, the 2016 law penalizes clients of sex workers but not the sex workers themselves, leading to a reported 25% decrease in street prostitution since implementation

Statistic 39

DEcriminalization of sex work in New Zealand in 2003 led to a reduction in violence against sex workers and increased access to health services, according to government reports

Statistic 40

In Portugal, prostitution is decriminalized since 2016, which has reportedly increased the safety and health conditions of sex workers, though illegal activities persist

Statistic 41

In New Zealand, legal regulation of sex work has led to a 20% increase in sex workers’ access to health services over five years, suggesting improved support structures

Statistic 42

In the United States, it is estimated that there are between 100,000 and 300,000 sex workers involved in prostitution annually

Statistic 43

Approximately 70% of women involved in prostitution globally are estimated to have experienced some form of violence or abuse

Statistic 44

In Germany, prostitution is legalized and regulated; however, an estimated 85% of sex workers work without proper legal documentation

Statistic 45

The Netherlands officially decriminalized prostitution in 2000, creating a regulated industry; however, illegal activities persist, involving approximately 25% of sex workers estimated to operate outside regulations

Statistic 46

In India, prostitution is illegal except for certain licensed brothels in some states; nonetheless, it is estimated that up to 8 million women are involved in the industry

Statistic 47

According to a 2016 report by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, online advertising for sex work increased by 80% in North America after decriminalization efforts, indicating persistent clandestine activity

Statistic 48

In South Africa, prostitution is illegal but prevalent; estimates suggest over 150,000 women are involved in sex work, often subjected to violence and exploitation

Statistic 49

The Australian government reported that around 70% of sex workers in legal industries report experiencing workplace harassment or violence, highlighting ongoing safety concerns

Statistic 50

In Brazil, prostitution itself is not illegal, but activities such as pimping or operating brothels are criminal offenses; nonetheless, around 1 million women are estimated to work in the industry

Statistic 51

In Russia, prostitution is illegal but widespread, with estimates suggesting that approximately 1 million women are involved in illegal sex work, often linked to organized crime

Statistic 52

In Spain, prostitution is legal but heavily regulated, with authorities licensing brothels; however, illegal street prostitution remains common, accounting for about 30% of sex work

Statistic 53

In Turkey, prostitution is legal in designated zones; nonetheless, estimates suggest around 200,000 sex workers operate across the country, many without proper regulation

Statistic 54

The government of Thailand estimates that approximately 2 million people are involved in the sex industry, both legally and illegally, with many minors trafficked into exploitative situations

Statistic 55

In Italy, prostitution is partially decriminalized, but organized pimping and trafficking are criminal offenses; yet, an estimated 70,000 sex workers operate across the country

Statistic 56

In Switzerland, prostitution is legal and regulated; in 2018, approximately 12,000 sex workers were registered, but experts estimate that many operate outside the legal framework

Statistic 57

In Belgium, prostitution is decriminalized and regulated; however, illegal brothel activities and trafficking still occur, with authorities estimating that nearly 20% of sex work is controlled by organized crime groups

Statistic 58

In South Korea, prostitution is criminalized, but estimates suggest over 250,000 women are involved in clandestine sex work, often linked to organized crime syndicates

Statistic 59

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria reports that up to 80% of sex workers in certain African regions lack access to adequate health services, increasing vulnerability to HIV and other infections

Statistic 60

In Croatia, prostitution is legal but regulated, with licensing systems in place; nonetheless, authorities estimate that around 10% of sex workers operate outside legal channels, often linked to organized crime

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Key Highlights

Globally, an estimated 1 million people are trafficked every year for the purpose of prostitution
In the United States, it is estimated that there are between 100,000 and 300,000 sex workers involved in prostitution annually
Approximately 70% of women involved in prostitution globally are estimated to have experienced some form of violence or abuse
Sweden decriminalized the buying of sex in 1999, leading to a reported 42% decrease in street prostitution by 2003
According to the Global Slavery Index 2018, an estimated 3.8 million people are living in forced sexual exploitation worldwide
In Germany, prostitution is legalized and regulated; however, an estimated 85% of sex workers work without proper legal documentation
A 2014 study in Australia found that approximately 85% of sex workers felt safer working in legalized environments
The UK introduced the Sexual Offences Act 2003, decriminalizing prostitution but criminalizing activities such as brothel keeping and soliciting in certain areas
According to the 2019 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, women and girls account for 72% of human trafficking victims globally, many of whom are trafficked for sexual exploitation
The Netherlands officially decriminalized prostitution in 2000, creating a regulated industry; however, illegal activities persist, involving approximately 25% of sex workers estimated to operate outside regulations
In India, prostitution is illegal except for certain licensed brothels in some states; nonetheless, it is estimated that up to 8 million women are involved in the industry
According to a 2016 report by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, online advertising for sex work increased by 80% in North America after decriminalization efforts, indicating persistent clandestine activity
In Nevada, prostitution is legal and regulated in licensed brothels; in 2021, there were 21 licensed brothels operating legally within the state

Prostitution, a complex and worldwide phenomenon, continues to thrive amid varying government policies, with an alarming number of victims trafficked annually—highlighting the urgent need for effective regulation, protection, and enforcement measures.

Government Policies and Law Enforcement Actions

The rate of arrest of sex workers varies significantly; in some regions, up to 60% of street-based sex workers report being frequently detained or criminalized
Efforts to criminalize clients of sex workers, such as the Nordic model, have been implemented in countries like Sweden, Norway, and Canada, with mixed results on reducing exploitation
A 2017 survey in Canada found that approximately 60% of sex workers experience repeated police harassment, influencing their willingness to report crimes

Government Policies and Law Enforcement Actions Interpretation

Despite aggressive attempts to criminalize both sex work and its clients, including Nordic-model laws and police crackdowns, the persistent harassment and high arrest rates reveal that such strategies often entangle sex workers in a cycle of victimization rather than protection.

Human Trafficking and Exploitation

Globally, an estimated 1 million people are trafficked every year for the purpose of prostitution
According to the Global Slavery Index 2018, an estimated 3.8 million people are living in forced sexual exploitation worldwide
According to the 2019 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, women and girls account for 72% of human trafficking victims globally, many of whom are trafficked for sexual exploitation
According to the 2017 Global Slavery Index, Asia-Pacific has the highest number of people living in modern slavery, with a significant portion involved in forced sexual exploitation
The UNODC estimates that about 80% of trafficked women are exploited in sex industries, with the rest trafficked for forced labor, domestic servitude, or other purposes
According to data from the U.S. Department of Justice, federal prosecution of human traffickers increased by 50% from 2010 to 2018, indicating heightened government enforcement efforts
The Philippines has one of the highest rates of sex trafficking in Southeast Asia, with an estimated 1 million people involved or at risk of trafficking
The average age of entry into prostitution worldwide is estimated to be between 12 and 16 years old, indicating the vulnerability of minors
According to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, organized crime groups often exploit prostitution networks to launder money and transport illicit goods, with revenues estimated at billions annually
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that around 70% of trafficked persons are women and girls, primarily exploited for sexual purposes
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation reported a 30% increase in human trafficking cases involving sexual exploitation from 2015 to 2020, indicating growing government action
According to a 2018 report, approximately 60% of trafficked persons are victims of forced sexual exploitation, showing the significant focus of traffickers on the sex industry
The majority of human trafficking victims (approximately 76%) are women, many of whom are exploited sexually, according to the International Labour Organization
Data from the Australian Institute of Criminology indicates that sex trafficking cases have increased by 25% over the last five years, highlighting ongoing challenges in law enforcement
In Mexico, prostitution is legal in certain areas, but trafficking and exploitation remain widespread, with over 300,000 women estimated to be involved in sex work nationwide
The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe reports that organized crime frequently uses prostitution networks for money laundering, with illicit proceeds reaching billions annually in the region
The majority of victims trafficked for sexual exploitation are women aged 18-24, making this demographic the most vulnerable group, according to UNODC
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reports that anti-trafficking operations resulted in over 200 rescues and 150 arrests statewide in 2022, reflecting active law enforcement efforts
Reports suggest that in Central America, gangs and organized crime groups control most prostitution and trafficking activities, generating significant revenue and maintaining violence
According to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, approximately 3,000 organized crime groups are involved in trafficking and exploiting sex workers worldwide, with a combined revenue exceeding $150 billion annually
Research indicates that high levels of police corruption in certain countries impede efforts to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation, undermining government initiatives
The UK government allocated approximately £3 million annually to combat human trafficking and prostitution-related crimes as part of its national strategy, aiming to increase victim support and enforcement
Data from 2020 shows that in Nigeria, about 15,000 minors are trafficked annually for sexual exploitation, many through organized networks, highlighting critical regional challenges
According to a 2021 report by the European Commission, more than 70% of trafficked persons exploited sexually are women, and most cases go unreported due to fear and stigma, complicating government responses
In South America, countries such as Colombia and Venezuela face significant challenges with sex trafficking, with estimates of over 50,000 victims trafficked annually, often linked to armed conflict and criminal groups
In Greece, prostitution is legally regulated, with many sex workers operating in licensed venues; however, illegal trafficking and exploitation persist, with 15-20% of sex workers believed to be trafficking victims
The International Labour Organization estimates that globally, approximately 4.8 million people are in some form of forced sexual exploitation, constituting the largest share of enslaved persons
According to reports, Russian authorities have increased crackdowns on illegal prostitution zones, leading to the detention of thousands of women; despite this, underground networks remain active

Human Trafficking and Exploitation Interpretation

Despite increased enforcement and international awareness, over 3.8 million people endure forced sexual exploitation worldwide—highlighting that while governments are stepping up their game, traffickers continue to exploit vulnerabilities and labyrinthine networks to sustain billions in illicit gains, revealing the persistent and deeply rooted challenge of eradicating modern slavery.

International Initiatives and Decriminalization Movements

In 2019, the European Parliament called for the full decriminalization of sex work across the EU to improve health and safety conditions for workers

International Initiatives and Decriminalization Movements Interpretation

The European Parliament's 2019 call to decriminalize sex work aims to shift the debate from moral judgments to pragmatic policies that enhance health, safety, and dignity for workers—highlighting that criminalization only sidelines the issue instead of addressing it.

Legislative and Regulatory Frameworks

Sweden decriminalized the buying of sex in 1999, leading to a reported 42% decrease in street prostitution by 2003
A 2014 study in Australia found that approximately 85% of sex workers felt safer working in legalized environments
The UK introduced the Sexual Offences Act 2003, decriminalizing prostitution but criminalizing activities such as brothel keeping and soliciting in certain areas
In Nevada, prostitution is legal and regulated in licensed brothels; in 2021, there were 21 licensed brothels operating legally within the state
In Japan, the Anti-Prostitution Law criminalizes the act of prostitution, but online sex work and “soaplands” (hotels offering sexual services) continue to operate, indicating ongoing tensions with regulation
In France, the 2016 law penalizes clients of sex workers but not the sex workers themselves, leading to a reported 25% decrease in street prostitution since implementation
DEcriminalization of sex work in New Zealand in 2003 led to a reduction in violence against sex workers and increased access to health services, according to government reports
In Portugal, prostitution is decriminalized since 2016, which has reportedly increased the safety and health conditions of sex workers, though illegal activities persist
In New Zealand, legal regulation of sex work has led to a 20% increase in sex workers’ access to health services over five years, suggesting improved support structures

Legislative and Regulatory Frameworks Interpretation

Across diverse legal landscapes—from Sweden's 42% drop in street prostitution post-decriminalization to New Zealand's 20% boost in health access—statistics consistently reveal that recognizing sex work through legal reforms tends to enhance safety, health, and control, contrasting sharply with the ongoing tensions and clandestine risks faced under criminalization.

Prevalence and Demographics of Sex Work

In the United States, it is estimated that there are between 100,000 and 300,000 sex workers involved in prostitution annually
Approximately 70% of women involved in prostitution globally are estimated to have experienced some form of violence or abuse
In Germany, prostitution is legalized and regulated; however, an estimated 85% of sex workers work without proper legal documentation
The Netherlands officially decriminalized prostitution in 2000, creating a regulated industry; however, illegal activities persist, involving approximately 25% of sex workers estimated to operate outside regulations
In India, prostitution is illegal except for certain licensed brothels in some states; nonetheless, it is estimated that up to 8 million women are involved in the industry
According to a 2016 report by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, online advertising for sex work increased by 80% in North America after decriminalization efforts, indicating persistent clandestine activity
In South Africa, prostitution is illegal but prevalent; estimates suggest over 150,000 women are involved in sex work, often subjected to violence and exploitation
The Australian government reported that around 70% of sex workers in legal industries report experiencing workplace harassment or violence, highlighting ongoing safety concerns
In Brazil, prostitution itself is not illegal, but activities such as pimping or operating brothels are criminal offenses; nonetheless, around 1 million women are estimated to work in the industry
In Russia, prostitution is illegal but widespread, with estimates suggesting that approximately 1 million women are involved in illegal sex work, often linked to organized crime
In Spain, prostitution is legal but heavily regulated, with authorities licensing brothels; however, illegal street prostitution remains common, accounting for about 30% of sex work
In Turkey, prostitution is legal in designated zones; nonetheless, estimates suggest around 200,000 sex workers operate across the country, many without proper regulation
The government of Thailand estimates that approximately 2 million people are involved in the sex industry, both legally and illegally, with many minors trafficked into exploitative situations
In Italy, prostitution is partially decriminalized, but organized pimping and trafficking are criminal offenses; yet, an estimated 70,000 sex workers operate across the country
In Switzerland, prostitution is legal and regulated; in 2018, approximately 12,000 sex workers were registered, but experts estimate that many operate outside the legal framework
In Belgium, prostitution is decriminalized and regulated; however, illegal brothel activities and trafficking still occur, with authorities estimating that nearly 20% of sex work is controlled by organized crime groups
In South Korea, prostitution is criminalized, but estimates suggest over 250,000 women are involved in clandestine sex work, often linked to organized crime syndicates
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria reports that up to 80% of sex workers in certain African regions lack access to adequate health services, increasing vulnerability to HIV and other infections
In Croatia, prostitution is legal but regulated, with licensing systems in place; nonetheless, authorities estimate that around 10% of sex workers operate outside legal channels, often linked to organized crime

Prevalence and Demographics of Sex Work Interpretation

Despite decades of legal reforms and increasing awareness, the global sex industry remains a paradox of regulation and clandestine exploitation, with millions involved worldwide, many enduring violence and inadequate protections—highlighting that legal status alone cannot dismantle the persistent shadow economy of sex work.