‘Off the streets and on the net’: solicitation charges dwindle as sex workers shift online

By Farrah Tomazin

Street prostitution has declined so dramatically in Victoria that police recorded only five solicitation crimes against sex workers last year – down from almost 500 offences 14 years ago.

Days after Victoria announced a wide-ranging review that could pave the way for the decriminalisation of the sex industry, new figures reveal that street-based workers are rarely ever charged anymore, even though street prostitution is still illegal.

A growing number of sex workers have turned to the internet or mobile phone “hook-up” apps to solicit clients, significantly altering the nature of the industry…

Crossbencher Fiona Patten will oversee the inquiry, with the government planning to bring on a bill in 2021 – the year before it seeks a third term in office.

Read full article on the Age’s website.