Between victims and prostitutes: Is there any difference? The consequences of conflating sex work and sex trafficking

Abstract

This research aims to analyze what are the possible consequences of conflating sex work and sex trafficking, specifically in a criminalized setting. This research focuses on the United States and samples three states to make this assessment. The three states are New York, Idaho, and Massachusetts. The research focuses initially on establishing its design and context, establishing qualitative data as its main source of data. The second part follows to the analysis of whether sex trafficking and prostitution are conflated in practice while differentiated in theory. To this end, anti-prostitution statutes and antitrafficking statutes are analyzed. As well as prostitution diversion programs and human trafficking task forces. Lastly, the research proceeds to the analysis of the consequences of the conflation of sex work as sex trafficking using a procedural timeline. Which starts on the moment before an arrest until a possible conviction. The research then, presents its crosscutting recommendation and conclusions.