Personally, the main issue that I find with the current system involves "the rescue" that sex workers are forced into because of the ambiguous line between sex workers and traffickers. With this indistinct line, there seems to be automatic labeling of sex workers as victims. This type of generalization spurs from society's misogynistic moralization and saviorship about women in the sex industry.

An example that made me come to this realization was Vijaya's story. Vijaya was a Hyderabadi sex worker who was FORCED into a rescue shelter. She was dragged away from her family and basically incarcerated. Rather than treating Vijaya with independent care that managed her HIV, the shelter had refused to provide her with necessary nutrition and medication. In the end, she became a self-destructive drinker and passed away.

Vijaya's case isn't the only time that forced rescue has caused more harm than protection. According to Kimberly Walters from the openDemocracy, these women have lost their freedom to become financially independent as the NGOs prevent the ability of sex workers to get the opportunity to earn money. Additionally, the loss of their freedom has resulted in several sex workers to develop depression and attempt suicide.

The problem isn't these anti-trafficking programs in India, though. It is the inability to distinguish women who want to be rescued or not. Similar to the Vijaya's case, rather than saving the women who they are trying to protect, it seems like these programs/agencies have more misogynistic ideals than acknowledging these women's rights.

The biggest concern that I have is the idea that women sex workers are viewed as victims and need to be rescued compared to transgenders and men who are harassed by the police and then jailed rather than considering possible rehabilitation/rescue plans for those who want those options.

In all means, though, I still find these types of programs important for women who are wanting to get rescued and need the resources to leave their terrible situation. However, I think that these programs need to be considerate about women's choices and be willing to appreciate their decisions rather than generalizing that every woman within the sex industry wants to be rescued.

Most of my ideas spur from the article: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-trafficking-and-slavery/rescued-from-rights-misogyny-of-anti-trafficking/