A phone survey conducted by MISCO on behalf of Malta Women’s Lobby found that the majority of people believe that the decriminalisation of prostitution will benefit organised crime on the island. The survey consisted of a random sample of 404 respondents and found that three of four respondents believe that prostitution believe the decriminalisation would benefit organised crime through human trafficking, illegal drug market and money laundering. The survey also found found that;
96% of people believe that those working in prostitution are at risk of physical harm; 98% believe in a high risk of sexual violence; 97% believe that there is a risk of mental health trauma; and 99% believe sexual health problems are also a risk. 80% of respondents also believe that prostitution legalisation will increase social sexual violence. The Malta Women’s Lobby stated that the results are a clear message to the government not to legalise the practice and called for the implementation of the Equality Model – essentially decriminalises the prostitutes and criminalises the buyers.
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