The Swedish Law That Prohibits the Purchase of Sexual Services

Best Practices for Prevention of Prostitution and Trafficking in Human Beings

Abstract:
After several years of public debate initiated by the Swedish women’s movement, the Law That Prohibits the Purchase of Sexual Services came into force on January 1, 1999. The Law is the first attempt by a country to address the root cause of prostitution and trafficking in beings: the demand, the men who assume the right to purchase persons for prostitution purposes. This groundbreaking law is a cornerstone of Swedish efforts to create a contemporary, democratic society where women and girls can live lives free of all forms of male violence. In combination with public education, awareness-raising campaigns, and victim support, the Law and other legislation establish a zero tolerance policy for prostitution and trafficking in human beings.When the buyers risk punishment, the number of men who buy prostituted persons decreases, and the local prostitution markets become less lucrative. Traffickers will then choose other and more profitable destinations.

My opinion:
Trafficking and prostitution of women and girls for profit is one of the fastest growing global enterprises, after drug and arms trafficking. Meanwhile, prostitution has been normalized by neoliberals as a form of sexual entertainment, with equal players exchanging services for money. However, not every country in the world is equally enthusiastic about the idea that prostitution should be seen as a form of work, or that sexual exploitation of women by men should be commercialized and legalized. In Sweden, prostitution is officially acknowledged as a form of male sexual violence against women and children. One of the cornerstones of Swedish policies against prostitution and trafficking in human beings is the focus on the root cause, the recognition that without men’s demand for and use of women and girls for sexual exploitation, the global prostitution industry would not be able flourish and expand.

I agree with the methods of prevention of human trafficking to law enforcement for the consumers of sexual services. Indeed, the root causes of trafficking is "demand". But for this application is quite difficult and in my opinion does not fit my program because it needs long-term plan and going through a long process. It is necessary for public to understand that human trafficking is not an issue that can be ruled out. Therefore there should be a national movement.

Reference:
http://vaw.sagepub.com/content/10/10/1187.short