A lot of them are children in the same sense that Trayvon Martin was a "child". I've seen many 14-15 year olds who are physically adult, though they're still kids. How many half-drunk conventioners or fans ask the age of the individual about to service them?
That don't make it right, but it 'splains it some. < /barroom vernacular >
I know. The whole thing makes me sick. Anyone who thinks prostitution is a victimless crime is delusional. It’s a horrible thing for these women and girls.