Street prostitution

A street prostitute talking to a potential customer in Turin, Italy, 2005

Street prostitution is a form of prostitution in which a sex worker solicits customers from a public place. This most commonly happens on streets or at street corners, but it may also occur in parks, near nightlife areas, or in other public locations where potential clients pass by.

Street prostitutes often attempt to attract attention through revealing clothing, behavior or visible presence in known areas where prostitution takes place. Once contact is made, the sexual encounter may occur in the customer's car, in a nearby secluded street location, in a rented room such as a motel, or sometimes at the worker's apartment.

In the United Kingdom, studies have suggested that a large proportion of girls involved in street prostitution struggle with drug dependency. Research has also documented high levels of violence against street prostitutes, including sexual assault and physical abuse.

Global studies of prostitution have also indicated that many women involved in street prostitution express a desire to leave the profession if alternative opportunities were available. Many of the street girls see it as an "improvemenet" on their career if they end up working as an escort at indoor apartments or brothels, but some just like to be on the street and work in there.

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Street prostitution is frequently illegal even in countries where other forms of prostitution are permitted.

Many countries that outlaw street prostitution still have informal tolerance zones where the practice may occur despite its technical illegality. These areas often develop in industrial districts or nightlife zones away from residential neighborhoods.

In some jurisdictions where prostitution itself is legal, such as in Canada or the United Kingdom, street solicitation is prohibited. These countries also restrict activities such as brothel ownership or public solicitation.

Some jurisdictions also criminalize kerb crawling, which refers to driving slowly through an area with the intention of purchasing sexual services.

In Australia, laws vary by state. In New South Wales street solicitation is legal in some areas but prohibited near schools or residential zones. Other states and territories prohibit street solicitation entirely, although licensed brothels may operate legally.

Street prostitution is legal in New Zealand following the country's prostitution law reform. In Germany it is also permitted, although cities often regulate specific areas or hours where it can occur.

In the United States street prostitution is illegal in all states. While Nevada allows licensed brothels in some rural counties, prostitution outside those establishments remains illegal.

In parts of the Netherlands designated street prostitution areas known as tippelzones have existed. These zones are typically located in industrial districts and may require workers to obtain permits.

Risks and research

Street sex workers are often considered among the most vulnerable workers in the sex industry. Because encounters take place in public environments, workers may face risks such as robbery, assault or violence from clients or pimps.

Research conducted in several countries has found high rates of violence against street based sex workers. Studies have reported that a large percentage of prostitutes experience physical assault during their careers.

A study conducted in Chicago by economists Steven D. Levitt and Sudhir Alladi Venkatesh estimated that independent street prostitutes earned around $25 per hour on average, while workers operating under pimps sometimes earned higher rates but lost a portion of their income to management.

Street prostitutes also face frequent arrests in countries where solicitation is illegal.

Clients should also remain aware of common fraud situations reported in prostitution environments. See also Common scams, Escort and Sex scams and Massage Parlor Scams.

As with any sexual encounter, participants should also consider health risks such as STD.

Street prostitution now and in the past

Street prostitution was way more visible in many Western cities during the late 20th century. In the 1980s and 1990s it was common to see prostitutes openly working in certain districts of major cities.

With the rise of mobile phones and the Internet, much of the sex industry shifted toward indoor venues and online advertising. Many modern escort services operate through websites or messaging platforms instead of street solicitation.

Today in many Western countries only a small percentage of sex workers operate on the streets. However, street prostitution remains common in parts of Asia, Africa and South America. In Europe and United States it is mostly common among drug users.

Street prostitution during the lockdowns

During the COVID-19 pandemic many governments temporarily restricted contact professions, including prostitution. In some countries this caused a temporary decline in visible prostitution.

In other places where legal brothels were closed during lockdowns, some sex workers returned to street based work because indoor venues were unavailable.

Street prostitution

Contents

Risks and research

Street prostitution now and in the past

Street prostitution during the lockdowns

See also

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