* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Porter
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Investigational Hearing - Prostitution - Diversion and Treatment
For the purpose of inviting representatives from the Baltimore City Health Department, the Baltimore City Police Department, and the Mayor’s Office of Children and Family Success to discuss current and proposed strategies to deter and treat prostitution in Baltimore City, including a review of diversion programs and services in use in other jurisdictions that may assist Baltimore City communities struggling with prostitution.
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Recitals
Prostitution is a complex and systemic issue that affects communities worldwide. Studies consistently rank prostitution among the most dangerous professions globally, with certain estimates indicating women who sell sex are 18 times more likely to be murdered than women who do not. Women engaged in prostitution also tend to be undereducated ethnic minorities who experience disproportionate rates of indigence and substance abuse issues.
Further, prostitution is inextricably linked to human trafficking, with one landmark study estimating up to 84% of women in prostitution may be under third-party control, pimped, or trafficked. The National Human Trafficking Hotline lists Maryland as a “high indicator” state for human trafficking, with 136 cases reported in 2020 alone. Recent data from the University of Maryland also noted that 671 cases of child sex trafficking have been reported Statewide since 2013, with Baltimore City ranking highest among all jurisdictions for reported cases.
To prevent the disquieting outcomes associated with prostitution, the City Council would like to discuss strategies to deter and treat prostitution in Baltimore City, including diversion programs and services in use in other jurisdictions that could be modified and applied to local communities.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the Baltimore City Council invites the Commissioner of the Baltimore City Health Department, the Commissioner of the Baltimore City Police Department, and the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Children and Family Success to discuss strategies to deter and treat prostitution in Baltimore City, including a review of diversion programs and services in use in other jurisdictions that may assist Baltimore City communities struggling with this issue.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Commissioner of the Baltimore City Health Department, the Commissioner of the Baltimore City Police Department, the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Children and Family Success, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the Baltimore City Council.