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Commercial sex is quite a spread phenomenon in Romania but the discussion around it is less based on objective data and evidence. The subject turned into a political issue and the debate is still at the emotional level despite clear national and international expert recommendations towards reducing the social, public health and human rights risks related to commercial sex. Meantime, the phenomenon is expanding and brings higher risks of transmission of sexual infections, stigma, marginalizing even trafficking of the persons involved. More commercial sex became a profitable illicit business closely associated with drug consumption and other organized crime. Economic crisis will also lead to an increase in offer and demand. Over half of the Romanian population, professionals in police, public health, social services, public administration support the idea of revising the current legislation and even of legalizing prostitution. Political dispute will continue keep this issue far from efficient interventions.
Keywords: commercial sex, social problem, risk, social services
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