Top 5 Myths About Victoria’s Licensing Model
The Myths | The Facts |
Myth 1Sex work is already decriminalised in Victoria. | Fact 1Victoria’s licensing model does not decriminalise sex work.¹ |
Myth 2It helps prevent the spread of sexually transmissible infections and HIV. | Fact 2Licensing models of sex work do not combat the spread of STI’s and HIV, they inhibit measures designed to do so.² |
Myth 3Only street-based sex work is against the law. | Fact 3All four sectors of the sex industry are criminalised to varying degrees.³ |
Myth 4Licensing/legalisation of sex work is the same as decriminalisation. | Fact 4Legalisation of sex work is very different from decriminalisation.³ |
Myth 5Victoria’s sex workers operate within the law as the industry is legalised. | Fact 5The current system means most sex workers are working outside the law.³ |
- Basil Donovan et al, The Sex Industry in New South Wales
A Report to the NSW Ministry of Health (The Kirby Institute 2012) Page 10, Table 1
<https://www.nswp.org/resource/the-sex-industry-new-south-wales-report-the-nsw-ministry-health>
- Basil Donovan et al, The Sex Industry in New South Wales
A Report to the NSW Ministry of Health (The Kirby Institute 2012) Page 7, Recommendation 2
<https://www.nswp.org/resource/the-sex-industry-new-south-wales-report-the-nsw-ministry-health>
- Basil Donovan et al, The Sex Industry in New South Wales
A Report to the NSW Ministry of Health (The Kirby Institute 2012) Page , Legal Responses to Sex Work
<https://www.nswp.org/resource/the-sex-industry-new-south-wales-report-the-nsw-ministry-health>
© Sex Work Law Reform Victoria 2020
Last updated: 9 April 2020