Caught Up

Sex work is a controversial topic in the United States, and the discourse surrounding its potential decriminalization or legalization can be complex. While legalization would require strict regulation of sex work, as well as official legislation that offers sex workers a more robust range of protections, decriminalization merely stipulates that no law enforcement officers can interfere in activities related to sex work; the latter option affords sex workers greater freedom but does not protect them from the hazards of the industry.

Proponents of the legalization model argue that decriminalization does not provide sex workers with sufficient protection, which could be better designed through deliberate legislation and strict regulation. On a broader level, those who oppose both decriminalization and legalization of sex work have typically built arguments on the basis of moral and material grounds. Many Americans believe that sex work is inherently immoral and that maintaining laws against it will force sex workers to adopt different professions. However, this stance ignores the fact that many sex workers are not voluntarily engaging in sex work and that the industry itself is in dire need of regulation in order to shield the safety of the workers. Materially, sex workers face an increased risk of violence, sexual abuse, assault, and human trafficking, and sources like the ACLU of Pennsylvania note that the criminalization of sex work allows this violence to continue unchecked (Sanchez, Naiymah. “It’s time to end violence against sex workers. That means decriminalizing the industry.” ACLU Pennsylvania, 17 Dec. 2023).

Lauren’s activism in Caught Up aligns with the arguments in favor of legalizing sex work, and her own efforts throughout the novel show that she is committed to finding ways to protect sex workers against violence. Historically, sex workers have always faced high rates of sexual assault, but they are rarely able to report these attacks without facing charges of solicitation. As a result, this system of abuse and sexual violence is allowed to continue. Proponents of legalizing sex work argue that this path would enable legislatures to provide sex workers with funds and access to healthcare, legal representation, and organization, thereby reducing the risks of sexual violence and trafficking and enabling law enforcement to collaborate directly with sex workers in addressing these issues. Lauren’s activism in the novel, like the message of the ACLU, urges people to participate in the fight for expanded rights for sex workers by connecting with advocacy groups, joining activist causes, and reaching out to legislators.