No, prostitution is illegal throughout the state of New Jersey, including Cherry Hill. Engaging in prostitution, soliciting prostitution, or promoting prostitution are criminal offenses under New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 2C:34-1). This encompasses both offering and agreeing to pay for sexual services. Law enforcement actively investigates and prosecutes these activities.

New Jersey statutes clearly define prostitution-related crimes. “Engaging in prostitution” means performing or offering to perform a sexual act for money or other compensation. “Loitering for the purpose of prostitution” involves lingering in a public place with the intent to commit prostitution. Promoting prostitution includes activities like operating a brothel or benefiting financially from someone else’s prostitution. Penalties range from disorderly persons offenses (misdemeanors) to more serious indictable crimes (felonies), depending on the specific charge and circumstances, such as whether minors are involved. Consequences include potential jail time, significant fines, mandatory court appearances, and a permanent criminal record.

Engaging in prostitution carries severe and multifaceted risks for all parties involved, including significant legal jeopardy, serious health hazards, and heightened personal safety dangers. Beyond the immediate legal consequences of arrest and prosecution, individuals face substantial physical and psychological threats.

Health risks are paramount. Unprotected sexual contact dramatically increases the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV/AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and hepatitis. Access to consistent healthcare and barrier protection is often limited within illegal prostitution contexts. Violence is a pervasive threat; individuals engaged in prostitution face disproportionately high rates of physical assault, sexual assault, robbery, and even homicide, often with little recourse to law enforcement protection due to the illegal nature of the activity. Psychological impacts include trauma, anxiety, depression, substance abuse issues, and complex PTSD. Financial instability, exploitation by third parties (pimps/traffickers), and social stigma compound these dangers, creating cycles of vulnerability and harm.

Illegal prostitution negatively impacts Cherry Hill through increased crime, neighborhood decline, public health burdens, and resource diversion for law enforcement and social services. Its presence often correlates with other illicit activities that degrade community well-being.

Areas known for prostitution activity frequently experience associated crimes like drug dealing, theft, public disturbances, and violence. This can lead to declining property values, reduced local business patronage, and residents feeling unsafe in their own neighborhoods. The perception of an area as unsafe or associated with criminal activity deters investment and community engagement. Public health departments face increased demands related to STI testing and treatment. Law enforcement resources are diverted to patrol, investigate, and process arrests related to prostitution, taking focus away from other community safety priorities. The visible signs of street-based prostitution, such as solicitation in public spaces, contribute to a general sense of disorder and negatively affect the overall quality of life for residents.

If you suspect human trafficking, which often intersects with illegal prostitution, report it immediately to the National Human Trafficking Hotline or local law enforcement. Do not attempt to intervene directly, as this could be dangerous for both you and potential victims.

Recognizing potential signs of trafficking is crucial. These can include individuals who appear fearful, anxious, submissive, or avoid eye contact; those who seem controlled by another person and are unable to speak for themselves or leave independently; signs of physical abuse or malnourishment; individuals lacking personal possessions, identification, or control over their own money; living and working in the same place; or inconsistencies in their story. Report suspicions promptly:

• National Human Trafficking Hotline: Call 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733 (Text “HELP” or “INFO”). This confidential, 24/7 resource connects to specialized support and law enforcement.
• Cherry Hill Police Department: For immediate danger, call 911. For non-emergency reports, contact the main line at (856) 488-7828.
• New Jersey State Police Human Trafficking Unit: Contact via the state police or through the Attorney General’s Office.

Provide as much detail as possible (location, descriptions, vehicles) without putting yourself at risk. Your report could save lives.

Yes, several state and non-profit organizations in New Jersey offer comprehensive support services specifically for individuals seeking to exit prostitution and rebuild their lives. These resources focus on safety, health, stability, and empowerment.

Key resources include:

• New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking (NJCAHT): A network of organizations providing victim services, including safe housing, case management, legal aid, counseling, and job training. They connect individuals to local providers.
• Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) – Office of Trafficking Prevention and Survivor Support: Provides specialized services for trafficked minors and young adults, including foster care placement, therapy, and educational support.
• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): Operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE), offering confidential crisis support and referrals to local resources, including trauma counseling for those exploited in prostitution.
• Local County Social Services Boards: Can provide access to emergency housing assistance (through programs like Emergency Assistance), food assistance (SNAP), Medicaid health coverage, and mental health services.
• SAVE of Essex County: While based in Essex, they offer resources and support accessible statewide, focusing on survivors of sexual violence and exploitation, including counseling and advocacy.
• Covenant House New Jersey: Provides shelter, crisis care, and supportive services for homeless and trafficked youth (ages 18-24) in Atlantic City, Newark, and throughout NJ via outreach.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888) is also a vital starting point for connecting with local exit programs and support services in the Cherry Hill area and across New Jersey.

Confidential and non-judgmental sexual health services are available to all residents of Camden County, regardless of circumstance, through public health clinics and community organizations. These services focus on prevention, testing, and treatment, prioritizing patient privacy and safety.

Key providers include:

• Camden County Department of Health and Human Services: Offers STI/HIV testing (often low-cost or free), treatment, counseling, and prevention education (like condom distribution). Services are confidential.
• Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey: Has health centers in the region providing comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare, including STI testing/treatment, HIV testing and PrEP/PEP, birth control, and cancer screenings on a sliding fee scale.
• CAMcare Health Corporation: A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with locations in Camden and surrounding areas, offering primary care, including sexual health services, behavioral health, and substance use treatment, regardless of ability to pay.
• Local Hospitals (Virtua, Cooper University Hospital): Emergency departments provide care for acute issues. Outpatient clinics may offer sexual health services.

These organizations operate under strict confidentiality protocols. Seeking care is crucial for maintaining personal health and preventing the spread of infections within the community. No one will be reported to law enforcement solely for seeking healthcare.

Cherry Hill Police, often in collaboration with county (Camden County Prosecutor’s Office) and state agencies (NJ State Police), employ various strategies focusing on disrupting demand, supply, and exploitation networks associated with illegal prostitution. Enforcement prioritizes combating trafficking and exploitation.

Common tactics include:

• Undercover Operations: Detectives may pose as potential clients (“johns”) or sex workers to gather evidence and make arrests for solicitation or promotion.
• Surveillance: Monitoring known locations associated with prostitution activity (certain motels, streets, online platforms).
• Online Investigations: Proactively monitoring and investigating websites and apps commonly used to advertise illegal commercial sex.
• Focus on Trafficking: Prioritizing investigations where there is evidence of coercion, exploitation, minors involved, or organized criminal activity (pimping). Collaboration with human trafficking task forces is common.
• “John” Stings: Operations specifically targeting individuals seeking to purchase sex, aiming to reduce demand. Arrests often result in fines, mandatory education programs (“john school”), and vehicle forfeiture in some cases.
• Disruption of Locations: Working with code enforcement, licensing boards, and property owners to address nuisance properties (like motels) persistently used for prostitution.

Increasingly, law enforcement aims to identify victims of trafficking within prostitution operations to connect them with support services rather than solely prosecute them, focusing enforcement on traffickers, exploiters, and buyers.

Soliciting prostitution in New Jersey is a disorderly persons offense (misdemeanor) for a first offense, carrying penalties including potential jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Subsequent offenses or aggravating factors lead to harsher penalties.

Specific penalties under N.J.S.A. 2C:34-1(b) include:

• First Offense: Up to 30 days in county jail, mandatory fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, plus court costs and mandatory fees. A conviction results in a permanent criminal record.
• Second Offense: Mandatory minimum jail sentence of 10 days (up to 60 days), fines between $1,000 and $5,000, plus mandatory fees.
• Third or Subsequent Offense: Mandatory minimum jail sentence of 60 days (up to 6 months), fines between $1,000 and $15,000, plus mandatory fees.
• Community Service: Often imposed in addition to or sometimes instead of jail time.
• Mandatory Education Program (“John School”): Courts frequently require attendance at a prostitution demand reduction program, focusing on the harms of prostitution and trafficking. Costs are borne by the offender.
• Vehicle Forfeiture: If the solicitation occurs from a motor vehicle, the vehicle may be subject to seizure and forfeiture.
• Public Exposure: In some jurisdictions, names of convicted “johns” may be publicized.

These penalties apply to anyone offering or agreeing to pay for sexual activity. The consequences extend far beyond the courtroom, potentially impacting employment, family relationships, and reputation.

Supporting a loved one involved in prostitution requires compassion, patience, and accessing specialized resources focused on safety, trauma, and exit strategies. Prioritize their safety and connect with organizations experienced in exploitation.

Key steps and resources:

• Prioritize Safety: Avoid confrontational interventions that could put them at greater risk, especially if a trafficker or exploiter is involved. Express concern gently and let them know you are there for support without judgment.
• Educate Yourself: Learn about the dynamics of prostitution and trafficking (resources from NJCAHT or Polaris Project can help) to understand potential coercion, trauma bonding, and barriers to leaving.
• Connect with Hotlines:
  • National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888): Offers advice on how to approach your loved one and connects you to local service providers for both them and family support.
  • RAINN (800-656-HOPE): Provides support for loved ones and can refer to local counseling services specializing in trauma related to sexual exploitation.
• Seek Local Support Services: Contact organizations listed in the “resources for leaving” section above (like NJCAHT member agencies). They often offer counseling for families and can guide you on supporting your loved one when they are ready. SAVE or similar agencies may offer family support groups or counseling.
• Trauma-Informed Approach: Understand that your loved one may be experiencing severe trauma. Be patient; leaving is a complex process that often involves multiple attempts. Avoid blame and focus on expressing unconditional support and concern for their well-being.
• Safety Planning: If they express a desire to leave, help them connect immediately with a specialized agency that can assist with safety planning, which may involve shelter, legal protection, and crisis intervention.

Supporting someone in this situation is challenging. Consider seeking counseling or support groups for yourself to manage stress and gain guidance.