About 80% of them say they attempt to leave the trade. About 70% of them have children, 89% of whom are without custody. Most street prostitutes are children of dysfunctional parents or homes. In these homes, they experience violence, drugs and sexual assault. Their childhood was tumultuous and unstable with parents either absent, in jail or deceased. More then 40% of them are compelled to enter the trade to fund their drug habit. Other reasons are influence and the need for money. The psychiatric unit of the Los Angeles County jail is now considered the largest local mental health facility (Beyond 2000 Committee).

Part II: Recommendations and Solutions

The Legalization Option

National surveys showed that 94% of American citizens perceived the police as not promptly responding to calls for help (Bovard, 1998). One reason was their endless pursuit of prostitutes. Prostitution has remained illegal in most of the United States....
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