The Nordic Model
Partial decriminalization, also known as the Nordic Model refers to the Swedish legistaltive change that decriminalizes the sale of sex by prostituted individuals while increasing the penalites for other parties (such as buyers and facilitators). Sweden, when making this change, identified the goal of abolishing prostitution by eliminating the demand for commercially exchanged sex. Since then a number of other Scandinavian states have followed suit. The Advocates for Human Rights states, “The Nordic Model is based on a recognition that prostitution is inherently harmful and therefore, a human rights abuse. Furthermore, it is essential to note that the model relies heavily on the presence of a socio-economic system that prioritizes gender equality, aspires to economic equity, and recognizes the government’s responsibility to provide comprehensive services.” (theadvocatesforhumanrights.org)
This response may be the most helpful in ending the demand for commercial sex and helping those in the sex trade find a way out. The Nordic model is the only response that protects prostituted individuals and victims without increasing and normalizing the demand for commercial sex. The best way to tackle sex trafficking is to first decrease the demand, and greatly penalize buyers and facilitators of sex (which are usually men). The goal of this model is to shift the weight of stigma and prosecution from sex workers to pimps and clients. The issue with prostitution is the buyers, not the prostitutes.
"The Nordic Model approach to prostitution decriminalizes all those who are prostituted, provides support services to help them exit, and makes buying people for sex a criminal offense, in order to reduce the demand that drives sex trafficking. "
- Nordic Model Now!
Just like any other law, the Nordic Model isn’t perfect and does not suit everybody’s needs. Not everyone will agree with partial decriminalization, but it is worth considering when taking legal actions to stop human trafficking. Prostitution and human trafficking are not black and white issues. These issues will always persist regardless of what laws are in place, however, the least we can do is educate ourselves and take steps to try to eliminate the demand for commercial sex. Though this topic is difficult and touchy, it’s important to start this conversation. We know the problem, so let’s find a solution.
How can we solve this problem? What steps do we take to eradicate human trafficking? Human trafficking is illegal everywhere, but because they have an overlap, there is less consensus on how governments should respond to prostitution. There are four main responses to prostitution including criminalization, partial decriminalization (or Nordic Model), full decriminalization, and legalization. Criminalization means that every aspect of prostitution is illegal; the buying and selling of sex. The United States, as well as many other countries, enforce this law. Partial decriminalization (or the Nordic Model) identifies prostituted individuals as victims and protects them from any legal penalty. However, buying or facilitating the sale of sex is still illegal and the penalties are often doubled. Full decriminalization removes all laws prohibiting and regulating prostitution. Sex trafficking and child exploitation still remain illegal. Lastly, there is legalization which differs from full decriminalization. Legalization means prostitution is legal, but regulated and controlled by the government. This means mandatory health checks, licensing, zoning, and taxes will be placed on sex workers.
