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Decriminalization of Sex Work has been a pursuit of sex workers who are aiming for recognition and legalization of their trade. In most countries, the act of performing sexual favors in exchange for monetary gain is criminalized. Removing criminal prosecution for sex workers creates a safer and healthier environment and allows them to live with less social exclusion and stigma. Many believe that decriminalization of sex work destigmatize and devictimize sex workers. People in favor of decriminalizing sex work aim to exercise economic and sexual independence.

Benefits
Decriminalization of sex work reduces health risks, violence and abuse against sex workers, and promotes safer working conditions.

Health
Decriminalization of sex work reduces the risk of HIV aids and sexual transmitted diseases. Health risks and transmission of HIV as well as other Sexually Transmitted Diseases are increased in incidences where condom usage and accessibility is limited. Many sex workers are managed by 'gatekeepers' who may be brothel owners, clients, or law enforcement figures, who often dictate condom usage. In Cambodia, a survey showed that 30% of sex workers who refused to put on condoms were sexually coerced. Fear of law enforcement and incarceration also discourages possession of condoms since they provide evidence for officers to prosecute and arrest.

Violence
A research conducted in more than 11 countries by Sex Workers' Rights Advocacy Network (SWAN) concluded that more than 200 sex workers have experienced violence and discrimination. These acts of violence toward sex workers often include abuse, rape, kidnappings, and sexual violence. It is difficult for sex workers to seek criminal justice when it is reported that many police officers are partaking in the sexual and violent abuse. In Macedonia, police violence towards sex workers is particularly high: 82.4 percent of sex workers were assaulted by police in 2007.

Canada
Canada's prostitution law was challenged in 2012 by Terri-Jean Bedford, Amy Lebovitch, and Valerie Scott in the Bedford v. Canada case. They claimed that the Criminal Code of Canada prohibits sex workers from their labor rights because it permits sexual acts in exchange for money but criminalizes sex workers and their clients from communicating the exchange in a public setting (cite). The plaintiffs argue that this is a violation of their constitutional right to freedom of expression and liberty and threatens their safety. The case has now reached the Supreme Court of Canada and is supported by sex workers who believe it will eradicate the "whore stigma" that is often associated with sex workers.

Sweden
In 1999, Sweden passed a law that banned prostitution and criminalizes buyers. Since the implementation of the new law, the number of prostitutes has decreased from 2,500 in 1998 to 1,00 today. Pye Jakobsson, a spokeswoman for the Rose Alliance and a representation for sex workers, believes that this reduction in numbers may not particularly mean less prostitution, and that "You can't talk about protecting sex workers as well as saying the law is good, because it's driving prostitution and trafficking underground, which reduces social services' access to victims."

Denmark
In Denmark, prostitution was decriminalized in 1999, allowing for both selling and buying of sex to be legal as long as both participants are above the age of 18. Brothels and pimping, however, still remain illegal in the country. Prior to, sex workers were permitted to work as long as it was not their only source of income.

Nevada
The legalization of brothels in Nevada have shown that sex workers are better protected and are in less danger of health risks. A number of precautions are taking to ensure the safety of the sex workers, such as a voice recorded documentation of the negotiation that establishes the amount and payment before any trade occurs. Many brothels also include a panic button that will alert the manager which is located in an accessible location, often above at the head or side of the bed. Furthermore, the brothels in Nevada have established an ally relationship with law enforcement in cases where back-up was needed for troublesome customers.