To browse Academia. To combat prostitution and human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation, criminal justice interventions and collaborative programs have emerged that focus on reducing demand for commercial sex. In a prior study, Abt Associates found that the use of anti-demand approaches was more widespread throughout the United States than previously thought. We also found that little research or descriptive information was available about the vast majority of interventions.
It was also evident that communities attempting to address demand had usually done so with little guidance from the collective experience of others; consequently, some initiatives had struggled or failed when faced with problems that had been solved elsewhere.
The project was designed to develop a descriptive overview of antidemand tactics employed throughout the United States and to provide practitioners with actionable information to assist them in starting, improving, or sustaining initiatives. To share what has been learned, the project has generated several key products, one of which is the present report, A National Overview of Prostitution and Sex Trafficking Demand Reduction Efforts, which summarizes the research activities and presents findings.
Others include a website, entitled DemandForum. The website launch is planned for May, In addition to these products, we have engaged in a number dissemination activities such as conference presentations and policy leader briefings. After the project has been completed, we will continue distributing information via the website and submission of manuscripts for publication in appropriate outlets. This report is designed to provide a descriptive overview of initiatives targeting the demand for commercial sex in the United States.
It describes the process of gathering the information in this and other reports, discusses specific initiatives, and highlights selected communities to illustrate how and why their members have endeavored to address prostitution and sex trafficking by combating demand. The report is intended to serve as an introduction for those considering applying antidemand tactics in their communities, and for those at the state government level who are considering policies, statutes, and infrastructure investments supporting local efforts.
