Understanding Prostitution in Aurora: Laws, Risks, Health & Support Resources
This resource provides factual information about the complex and often dangerous reality of street-based and illicit prostitution in Aurora, Colorado. It focuses on legal consequences, significant personal risks, critical health information, the link to human trafficking, and resources available for individuals seeking help or wanting to exit the trade. Engaging in prostitution or solicitation is illegal in Colorado and carries serious penalties.
Is Prostitution Legal in Aurora, Colorado?
No, prostitution is illegal throughout Colorado, including Aurora. Soliciting, agreeing to engage, or engaging in prostitution, as well as pimping, pandering, or keeping a place of prostitution, are criminal offenses under Colorado law (CRS 18-7-201 et seq.).
Colorado law explicitly prohibits various activities related to prostitution. Soliciting a prostitute (offering or agreeing to pay for sex) is a criminal offense. Similarly, agreeing to engage in prostitution or actually engaging in it for payment is illegal. Activities like pimping (living off earnings), pandering (encouraging/forcing someone into prostitution), and keeping a place of prostitution (like a brothel) are also serious crimes. The Aurora Police Department (APD) actively enforces these laws through patrols, undercover operations (“stings”), and vice squad investigations, particularly in areas known for high activity like parts of Colfax Avenue. Penalties range from misdemeanors with fines and jail time (often 10 days to 6 months for first-time solicitation) to felony charges for repeat offenses, pimping, or trafficking, potentially resulting in years in prison and significant fines. An arrest can lead to a permanent criminal record, impacting employment, housing, and reputation.
What Are the Dangers of Soliciting Prostitutes in Aurora?
Soliciting prostitutes in Aurora exposes individuals to severe risks including violence, robbery, arrest, and serious health consequences. The illicit nature of the activity creates a high-risk environment for everyone involved.
Violence is a pervasive threat. Johns (clients) can be targeted for robbery, assault, or worse by individuals posing as sex workers or their associates. Sex workers themselves face extremely high rates of violence, including physical and sexual assault, from clients, pimps, or traffickers. APD conducts frequent undercover sting operations targeting both solicitation and prostitution, leading to arrests that carry legal and social consequences. Health risks are significant; unprotected sex transmits sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. Drug use is often intertwined with street prostitution, increasing risks of overdose, violence, and exploitation. There is also a high likelihood of encountering individuals who are victims of human trafficking or severe exploitation, further complicating the situation ethically and legally.
Where Can I Get Tested for STDs/STIs in Aurora?
Free, confidential, or low-cost STD/STI testing is available at several locations in Aurora, including public health clinics and Planned Parenthood. Regular testing is crucial if engaging in high-risk behaviors.
Key resources include the Aurora Health Center (run by Tri-County Health Department or successor agency) offering testing and treatment, and Planned Parenthood health centers in the area providing comprehensive sexual health services, including testing. Community health clinics often offer sliding scale fees. Many providers offer confidential or anonymous testing, particularly for HIV. Using condoms consistently and correctly is the most effective way to reduce the risk of STI transmission during any sexual activity, but abstinence is the only 100% effective method. Free condoms are often available at health clinics, community centers, and some non-profit organizations.
What Are the Signs of Sex Trafficking in Aurora?
Sex trafficking involves force, fraud, or coercion for commercial sex acts. Warning signs include someone controlled by another person, showing fear or anxiety, inability to leave a job/situation, lack of control over money/ID, bruises or signs of abuse, or being underage in the sex trade.
Victims might appear fearful, anxious, submissive, or paranoid. They may avoid eye contact, be accompanied by a controlling person who speaks for them, or seem coached in their responses. Physical signs of abuse, malnourishment, or poor hygiene can be indicators. They often lack personal possessions, identification documents, or control over their own money. Minors involved in commercial sex are legally considered trafficking victims. Trafficking frequently occurs in illicit massage businesses, online escort ads, or on the street. If you suspect trafficking, do not confront the suspected trafficker. Report suspicions to the National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888) or text “HELP” to 233733 (BEFREE). You can also contact the Aurora Police Department non-emergency line or 911 in an emergency.
What Support Exists for People Wanting to Leave Prostitution in Aurora?
Several Colorado organizations offer support, resources, and pathways to safety for individuals seeking to exit prostitution and the sex trade. Help includes crisis intervention, housing, counseling, job training, legal aid, and healthcare.
Local and statewide resources are available. Organizations like The Lab (Denver/Aurora area, focuses on art/community for those impacted by exploitation) and the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance (COVA) provide support services and advocacy. The STAR Program (Support Team Assisted Response – primarily Denver, but a model) offers trauma-informed crisis response, sometimes diversion from jail. Human trafficking-specific services are accessed through the National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888). Finding safe and stable housing is often the first critical step, addressed by some shelters and transitional programs. Counseling and therapy address trauma, addiction, and mental health issues stemming from exploitation. Job training and educational programs help build sustainable futures. Legal aid organizations can assist with issues like warrants, vacating convictions related to trafficking, or restraining orders. Substance abuse treatment programs are crucial for those struggling with addiction.
Is There Help Available for Individuals Addicted to Soliciting Prostitutes?
Yes, support exists for individuals who feel their behavior related to soliciting sex is compulsive or problematic, often through therapy, support groups, and addiction treatment programs. Recognizing problematic behavior is the first step.
Therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or sex addiction therapy, can help address underlying issues like impulse control, intimacy disorders, or past trauma that may contribute to compulsive behaviors. Support groups like Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) or similar programs offer peer support and structured recovery frameworks. General addiction treatment centers can address co-occurring substance abuse issues that often accompany compulsive sexual behaviors. Mental health professionals can diagnose and treat any underlying conditions like depression, anxiety, or OCD. Seeking help usually involves contacting therapists specializing in sexual health or addiction, or reaching out to local mental health centers or addiction treatment providers.
What is the Impact of Prostitution on Aurora Communities?
Street-based prostitution can negatively impact Aurora neighborhoods through increased crime, public nuisance concerns, and exploitation, but solutions require addressing root causes like poverty and demand. Enforcement alone is rarely a lasting solution.
Residents and businesses in affected areas (often corridors like Colfax) frequently report concerns about discarded condoms and drug paraphernalia, public indecency, noise disturbances, and perceived decreases in safety or property values. There is a strong link between street prostitution and other crimes like drug dealing, theft, and violence. The most severe impact is the exploitation and harm suffered by individuals trapped in prostitution, often victims of trafficking, addiction, or abuse. Effective strategies involve reducing the demand for paid sex through education and accountability, increasing access to support services and exit programs for those in the trade, robust enforcement against trafficking and exploitation (rather than just low-level solicitation), and community-based initiatives focusing on economic opportunities, addiction treatment, and housing stability to address underlying vulnerabilities. Collaboration between law enforcement, social services, and the community is essential.
