413047-Underground-Commercial-Sex-Economy

Chapter 10
Major Findings and Implications
Introduction
The goals of this study were to (1) derive a more rigorous estimate of the underground commercial sex
economy (UCSE) in eight major US cities; and (2) provide an understanding of the structure of this
underground economy. To date, no reliable data exists to provide national or state policymakers with a
verifiable and detailed understanding of underground commercial sex trade networks, or the ways in
which these networks interact with one another on the local, state, or interstate level. In addition, there is
no information regarding the relationship between the UCSE and the local commercial sex trade or
commercial sex activity conducted over the Internet. This study aimed to close the gap in our
understanding about the nature and extent of these activities.
In this concluding chapter we highlight 17 main findings from the study which are divided into two
sections: (1) sex trafficking and sex work and (2) child pornography. After each major finding, we offer
implications for policy and practice (where applicable) based on what we learned through the qualitative
data collected for this study. Lastly, we offer suggestions for future directions of research.
Sex Trafficking and Sex Work Major Findings and Implications
Finding 1: Estimates of the UCSE in 2007 range from $39.9 to $290
million in the cities included in the study. In five of the seven 78 cities,
the size of the UCSE decreased from 2003 to 2007.
The underground drug economy increased in five cities and the underground gun economy decreased in
three cities, increased in three cities, and remained the same in one city. Estimates of the illicit markets
for sex, drugs, guns, and other unlawful commercial economy (UCE) goods are listed below in table 10.1. 79
78 Due to the insufficient data about Kansas City, this city was dropped from the estimation analysis (see chapter 3 for more detail).
79 Table 10.1 Estimates of Illicit Markets for Sex, Drugs and Guns and UCE/CE for Other Goods is also presented and discussed in
more detail in chapter 3 as table 3.1.
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