I think legalizing prostitution would have benefits and withdrawals. No, it wouldn't stop some of the abuse, but it would help some. It's legal in one county in Nevada (last I checked), and there hasn't been one STD reported with the women getting tested regularly and using condoms.

Pimps are known to beat and rape the women who work for them. The pimp lifestyle is glorified and makes me sick. The women are usually afraid to say anything when they're arrested (and yes, it's usually the prostitute, not the john or the pimp, who gets in trouble), because they know the pimp can and will harm them or someone they love.

I also get angry about people who speak about prostitutes in a derogatory fashion, because most didn't choose the profession, and others didn't know what they were getting into. The few (I believe it's only a few) who are happy being prostitutes don't deserve to be denigrated, either. Women are still sluts, while men are still studs.