Is prostitution legal in Camas, Washington?
No, prostitution is illegal throughout Washington state including Camas. Prostitution falls under patronizing a prostitute (RCW 9A.88.110) and promoting prostitution (RCW 9A.88.080), both felony offenses. Camas police regularly coordinate with Clark County Sheriff’s Office on sting operations targeting sex buyers and traffickers along commercial corridors like NE 3rd Avenue. Despite its illegality, underground sex work persists through online platforms and discreet solicitation.
Washington’s progressive approach focuses on decriminalizing sex workers while targeting buyers and traffickers. The 2020 “Safe Exit” law (SB 6250) allows vacating convictions for trafficking victims. First-time offenders can opt for the “John School” diversion program instead of jail. Camas Municipal Court typically imposes 90-day sentences for solicitation convictions, with mandatory STI testing. Enforcement prioritizes human trafficking cases, especially near Interstate 205 truck stops where transient sex work occurs.
What health risks do sex workers face in Camas?
Sex workers in Camas face severe health risks including STIs, violence, and mental health crises. Clark County Public Health reports syphilis cases tripled since 2019, with sex workers disproportionately affected. Needle exchange programs at Sea Mar Community Health Center provide anonymous testing but see low utilization due to stigma.
How prevalent is violence against sex workers?
Over 68% report physical assault according to Clark County task force data. Serial predators target vulnerable workers along the Camas-Washougal industrial corridor. The “SafeCam” initiative installs emergency call boxes in high-risk zones. Workers can access free panic buttons through PeaceHealth Southwest’s violence prevention program.
Where can sex workers get medical help?
Confidential services include:
- OUTreach Medical (STI testing, PrEP prescriptions)
- Camas Wellness Center (trauma counseling, addiction treatment)
- Planned Parenthood Vancouver (contraception, abortion care)
- Mobile health van operates Tuesdays near Lacamas Lake Park
What resources help people exit sex work?
Clark County offers comprehensive exit programs through the “Project Redemption” network. Participants receive transitional housing at Naomi’s Place shelter, vocational training at Clark College, and legal aid through NW Justice Project. The court-approved diversion program has helped 47 individuals leave sex work since 2021.
Are there specialized services for minors?
Yes. The HOPE Court (Helping Our Prostituted Youth Exit) provides juvenile-specific rehabilitation. Partnering with Janus Youth Programs, it offers foster placement, counseling, and educational support. Police identified 12 trafficked minors in Camas last year, mostly runaways groomed through social media.
How does prostitution affect Camas neighborhoods?
Residents report increased concerns near Dollar Tree on NE 192nd Avenue and Motel 6 off I-205 where solicitation occurs. Neighborhood Watch groups use encrypted apps to report suspicious activity. Home values near known solicitation zones are 7-9% lower according to Clark County assessor data.
What’s being done about online solicitation?
Police cybercrime unit monitors platforms like Skip the Games and Listcrawler using web-scraping AI. Undercover operations target buyers arranging meets through dating apps. In 2023, 22 arrests stemmed from Grindr and Tinder solicitations. Residents can report suspicious ads via the Camas PD online portal.
What’s the connection to drug addiction?
Over 80% of arrested workers test positive for meth according to jail intake data. The crisis fuels survival sex work at known drug houses near Grove Field Airport. Clark County’s LEAD program diverts low-level offenders to treatment instead of prosecution. Needle exchange sites distribute fentanyl test strips and naloxone kits.
How do support services address addiction?
Columbia River Mental Health offers:
- Medication-assisted treatment at Washougal clinic
- 24/7 crisis team responding to overdose calls
- “Survival sex to stability” peer support groups
Outreach workers conduct nightly wellness checks along the Lewis River encampments.
What should you do if approached for sex?
Politely decline and report the incident to Camas PD non-emergency line (360-834-4151). Note physical descriptions, vehicle plates, and exact locations. Avoid confrontation – some solicitors become aggressive when rejected. Community tips helped dismantle a trafficking ring operating from Vancouver motels last August.
How to recognize trafficking situations?
Warning signs include:
- Youth appearing malnourished with unexplained bruises
- Older controllers speaking for nervous individuals
- Hotel rooms with excessive foot traffic
- Multiple phones or ledger books in vehicles
Report suspicions to National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888). Camas schools implement “Not a Number” curriculum to prevent student recruitment.
What alternatives exist for vulnerable women?
Transition programs include:
- YWAM vocational training in cosmetology/CNA
- Second Step Housing’s rent-subsidized apartments
- Washington Women’s Employment & Education job placement
- Salvation Army’s emergency cash assistance
Day shelters like Friends of the Carpenter provide meals and laundry facilities without judgment.
How effective are exit programs long-term?
Two-year retention rates show 62% remain out of sex work when accessing comprehensive services. Success depends on addressing root causes like childhood trauma (reported by 91% of participants) and criminal record barriers. The “Ban the Box” ordinance helps remove employment barriers.