They have been around since I was a child (70s). As a kid I didn’t know what it was, I knew it wasn’t a place we as a family would visit. There’s always been a lot in my town. Also around military bases it’s bad. My husband & I were driving home from the coast recently & I commented about the stretch between Havlock & New Bern, NC. Havlock probably has good people but you don’t see it on HWY 70. It’s so trashy! Jacksonville is the same way. Both of these areas are near the bases. Same with Goldsboro & Fayetteville. In high school (81-85) we traveled to Fayetteville for sports & I remember the prostitutes on the street at night on Hay Street. I don’t think it’s a coincidence they are military towns. I don’t know the history and details or what war, the government brought in prostitutes for the soldiers.