Exiting Prostitution: An Examination of Legal and Extralegal Factors

• In Event: Challenges Inherent in the Sex Industry/Trade

Abstract

This study examines the role of legal and extralegal factors (including Seattle’s off-limit order (SOAP)) in promoting or hindering “successful” exit from prostitution. As research consistently shows, individuals engaged in prostitution often perceive themselves as ignored, standing outside mainstream society, and socially stigmatized. Empirical research on exit from prostitution as well as on prostitution off-limit orders (such as SOAP) is highly limited, and tends to focus primarily on females and street-level prostitution. Qualitative data will be gathered through in-depth interviews with individuals formerly/currently involved in prostitution and a sample of police officers having experience with enforcement of SOAP orders. This study adds to existing literature on ‘exit’ from prostitution, detailing participants’ experiences, concerns, needs, and challenges and is including considerations of gender and places of conduct; which is crucial to better understand this diverse population as well as the highly complex phenomenon of prostitution. The study additionally adds to existing literature on prostitution off-limit orders, and will provide empirically based findings regarding the effectiveness of SOAP and its general consequences. Together, these findings present implications for how criminal justice, community, and individual stakeholders design and alter policy and programs that promote exit and/or reduce harmful consequences of prostitution.

Author

• Elisabeth Krappen, Seattle University