Research published today by the Scottish Government highlights the harm that prostitution causes and recognises that Sweden has had significant success in tackling prostitution by criminalising the purchase of sex.

The research involved two reports commissioned by the Scottish Government: the first evaluated the evidence about the impact of laws which criminalise the purchase of sex, whilst the second investigated the evidence and knowledge about prostitution in Scotland by interviewing key professionals involved the sector.

Whilst acknowledging the challenges of research into prostitution the first report notes the evidence of a decline in prostitution in Sweden and studies identifying a sustained decrease in demand for prostitution in countries where the purchase of sex has been criminalised.

Both reports highlight the importance of enabling people to access support to exit prostitution.

The framework of criminalising the purchase of sex and developing exit strategies has most recently been implemented in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, both laws voted in by a landslide majority. As of last week, it is now illegal to purchase sex across the whole of Ireland.

Following the vote in the Republic of Ireland, MSPs from various parties have called for similar legislation to be introduced in Scotland. A motion calling for such legislation was tabled by Ash Denham MSP on 20th February in the Scottish Parliament and has been supported by MSPs from both the SNP and Scottish Labour.

CARE’s Scotland Policy Officer, Dr Gordon Macdonald

"CARE urges the Scottish Government to act on this research and move towards criminalising the purchase of sex.

Introducing laws to criminalise the buyer of sex addresses the inequality, harm and exploitation that is at the heart of prostitution. It also holds those who drive it – the buyers – responsible for their actions.

Neighbouring countries are putting in place greater protections in law to curb sexual exploitation; it’s vital that Scotland must do the same".

Ends

Notes to the editor:

For more information please contact Rachael Adams on 020 7227 4708 / 07851 153693 or Rachael.adams@care.org.uk

You can read the reports in full here:

Evidence Assessment of the Impacts of the Criminalisation of the Purchase of Sex: A Review, which can be accessed at the following link: http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2017/02/3333

Exploring Available Knowledge and Evidence on Prostitution in Scotland via Practitioner-Based Interviews, which is available at the following link:

http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2017/02/6562)

CARE’s press release on ROI’s decision to criminalise the purchase of sex and what that would mean for Scotland