The way I understand it is that yes prostitution is legal but pimps and houses of prostitution are not. Working girls who are on their own are ok. Those who are working for a heffe are in jeopardy, according to the law. The overall concern by the Dominican Police seems to be eliminating prostitution where it is organized and tied into people who may be involved in more, such as, robbery and shakedown of johns and also pimps who are profiting from these women and may be using force to insure this happens. There is a fine line here and many times it gets blurred and innocent people may be caught in the cross fire. It seems those coming to the DR to partake in legal prostitution are increasingly putting themselves in jeopardy, especially if you are in a major city. Buyer beware, and take care.