Distinction Between Sex Work and Exploitation

Introduction

As an advocate for sex workers' rights in the Balkans, I want to emphasize a key distinction we must make when talking about topics such as sexual exploitation of minors, human trafficking, and slavery. These are not forms of prostitution, but criminal acts that have no connection to the concept of voluntary adult sex work.

Terminology

Prostitution is a term that has acquired many negative connotations throughout history, so we should seriously consider replacing it with the term sex work. Sex work is a way of earning that adults perform voluntarily and independently. However, when we talk about forced labor, slavery, and abuse of minors, we must clearly emphasize that this has absolutely no connection to what we understand as voluntary sex work.

Therefore, I propose that in the future, the term sex work be used, which better describes this activity as voluntary and legitimate, while the term prostitution is often used in a negative and criminal context.

Protection of Minors

On this occasion, we congratulate the Ključ Society for their work and efforts in the field of combating human trafficking and protecting minors. When it comes to protecting children, we are always first in line to support such efforts. Minors have no place in the adult industry, neither as workers nor in any other way – this must be clear and unambiguous.

Once again, thank you to everyone who attended the consultation on Child Abuse for Prostitution in Slovenia and helped shed light on this important topic with your contribution. Minors must always be protected, and together we can ensure that abuses stop.

Conclusion

Adult sex work is a matter of free choice, but when we talk about minors, it is exclusively a question of protection and safety.

For those who would like to learn more about the consultation, we attach a link to the entire event: YouTube recording.

Žiga Sedevčič, Advocate for Sex Workers' Rights in the Balkans