Legal Definitions - prostitute

A prostitute, also known as a sex worker, is someone who engages in sexual activities in exchange for money. This is considered a profession, and it has been around for thousands of years. It is estimated that there are around 42 million sex workers in the world, with the majority being women.

However, prostitution is illegal in most countries. Even in countries where it is legal, there are restrictions and regulations in place. For example, it is always illegal if the person is coerced, a minor, or if a third party is benefiting financially.

For instance, if a person is forced into prostitution by someone else, it is considered sex trafficking and is a crime. Similarly, if a person engages in sexual activities with a minor in exchange for money, it is illegal and considered child exploitation.

Examples of prostitution can be found in many different places, such as red-light districts, brothels, and online escort services. These examples illustrate the exchange of sexual activities for money, which is the defining characteristic of prostitution.