The Negative Effects Of Prostitution In Vietnam

Abstract - Prostitution is a worldwide controversial matter, which has been around for many years.

Over recent years, prostitution has been becoming more complicated with sophisticated forms and growing size. In 2014, Vietnam has 32,700 prostitutes, up 9.3% compared with the year 2012, whereas, the number of people recorded to manage is only 8000[1]. Since around 3 years lately, the question “Should prostitution be legalized?” has become one of the most controversial issues in Viet Nam. There were numerous mixed opinions on this issue. The supporters have the reason that if we operate and manage the measure effectively, it would be a solution for numerous social evils. Whereas, people who are against the measure think that it is a contrary

I. Introduction

The definition of prostitution is “The practice or occupation of engaging in sexual activity with someone for payment [2]” or “Accepting money for sexual services, or selling integrity for an unworthy purpose [3]”. Prostitution itself is an old profession, and “is considered to be the oldest profession known to mankind”, it has been ubiquitous from the times of the ancient civilizations such as Greece and Roman to today 's "red light" districts. In the modern world, prostitution is becoming a vital problem for many countries. The number of sex workers is increasing over time, spanning in various ages and even gender when male prostitution is no longer a strange thing

[Figure 1]. Besides, prostitution also varies in several types like street prostitution, brothels and masseuses. Therefore, managing prostitution is getting harder by the time which leads to various health and moral effects to people. Many people believe that legalizing prostitution might be a solution for the circumstance but this should be examined carefully.

[Figure 1]. Total prostitution arrests all by age and gender in 1981 – 2012 [2].

II. Legalizing prostitution in the

But a statistic in Germany showed that human trafficking had increased

70% only after 5 years of legalizing prostitution [5], and 90% female prostitutes were forced or victims of human trafficking [6]. In Australia, some states legalizing prostitution also did not obtain a positive return. It’s up to 90% brothels and prostitutes in Queensland runs without a license for human trafficking, tax evasion and money laundering [7]. After the legalization of prostitution, the number of illegal brothels still did not decrease but also increased to 300% [8].

Sweden is not a country legalizing prostitution, but this is one of the most successful nations in the world about managing prostitution and protecting the rights of sex workers. On the day 1-1-1999,

Sweden became the first country in the world against prostitution in a new method. Rather than punish prostitutes, the Swedish government will punish those who buy sex with a severe penalty

[9]. Swedish citizens caught buying sex at home or abroad, can be fined $ 5,000 or 12 months in prison, recidivism may be jailed for 4 years. Police also announce publicly identities of buyers so that they should feel ashamed and not relapse. In addition the Swedish government will