Estimating the number of unlicensed brothels operating in Melbourne.

Objective: To estimate the number of unlicensed brothels operating in Melbourne, Australia, and the sexual health of the women working in them.

Methods: Advertisements from Melbourne newspapers published in July 2006 were systematically analysed based on the language used to identify premises likely to be unlicensed brothels. A visit was made to each of the businesses where an address was available.