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             Many opponents of decriminalization point to studies that show that prostitutes have lower self-esteem and are more vulnerable to victimization than other women (Kempadoo 87). These studies show that prostitutes learned more about sex from personal experience rather than from their parents, experienced more childhood sexual advances from adult males, had a higher incidence of incestuous relationships with their father. They also began sexual activity at an earlier age, were more likely to have one-night-stands, and are more likely to be the victims of rape. Other studies have shown that early sexual abuse increases the incidence of prostitution regardless of other factors, such as being a runaway, drug abuser, etc. These factors make women more vulnerable to prostitution and other destructive behaviors (Bell 130).
             Historically, feminist support for the decriminalization of prostitution is a relatively new invention. During the progressive era, all women who considered themselves to be advocates for women's rights were opposed to prosti
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