Prostitution is shrouded in mythology and is usually referred to as "sex work" by those who claim it is a "job like any other".

But - as someone who has long campaigned against the normalisation of the sex trade - I have discovered, by spending time with dozens of women who have escaped prostitution, that it is built on abuse and degradation.

Why is it then, that so many people think decriminalising or legalising the sex trade is a better option than abolishing prostitution altogether? How would removing all laws on pimping, brothel owning and paying for sex possibly make it safer for the women?

Under decriminalisation, prostitution would be treated like any other business and subjected to similar regulations. Legalisation means that the State would ‘recognise prostitution as a lawful activity’ but require the licensing of brothels. Both legislative frameworks have one crucial thing in common: pimping and brothel owning, as well as buying for sex then become unproblematic activities.

This week, a bill was passed in the Australia’s Northern Territories which decriminalises every aspect of the sex trade. The bill also gives pimps and punters the right to take women to court for damages if they don't "complete service" or if they withdraw consent.