The deeper issue is vulnerability. When a person is desperate, they become vulnerable to exploiters. Traffickers, pimps, and sexual exploiters look to those who are the most vulnerable for their prey.
Most are working off a debt, or for privileges to see their child who is controlled by the pimp. Some simply work to for their drug addiction.
Most women who are prostituted have been abused in some way previous to being in the life. It’s common to have a childhood history of sexual abuse and physical abuse. Sexual predators understand this and seek those who require less grooming.
The truth is that it’s not their choice, but it’s a lack of choice that propitiates prostitution. It’s rampant among the poorest, desperate and marginalized demographics in our nation. As advocates if we can provide options, if we can provide choices, we can make a difference.