Craigslist Opens Its Erotic Services (ERS) Page

From 2002 to 2010, Craigslist provided an Erotic Services section on its front page, effected with several other specialized advertisement sections like housing, cars, childcare, etc. ERS initially provided free advertising to legal sex workers, such as private dancers. It was quickly utilized by those participating in prostitution to match with clients and coordinate appointments. ERS was also used as a mode of communication between sex workers to vet those clients and ensure safety.

A study conducted at Baylor University following the passage of SESTA/FOSTA found that ERS decreased the female homicide rate by an average of 10-17% nationwide. This staggering impact is the result of street prostitution moving indoors, allowing sex workers access to screening mechanisms and safer working conditions.