The role of clients in identifying forced sex work

Marijke Malsch, Miriam Wijkman, Anne Koolenbrander, Marthe Schotsman, Rik Schoon

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

In the Netherlands, sex work has been decriminalized, together with a number of related activities such as pimping and maintaining a brothel or a club where the work takes place. Today, Dutch legisla-tion is becoming more repressive. In a liberal country, like that of the Netherlands, clients could potentially play a role as detectors of sexual exploitation. This chapter investigates clients’ views on signs of forced sex work, preparedness to notify the authorities, and their sense of responsibility. Outcomes show that clients are able to identify a sub-stantial number of signs indicating sexual exploitation, but that most demonstrate limited preparedness actually to notify the authorities. Neutralization techniques may play an important role in justifying client decision-making.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHuman trafficking and sexual exploitation around the world
Subtitle of host publicationLaw, ideology and the experiences of sex workers and clients
EditorsMarijke Malsch, Janine Janssen
Place of PublicationAmsterdam
PublisherAmsterdam University Press
Chapter12
Pages235-254
Number of pages20
ISBN (Print)9789048560738, 9789048560745
Publication statusPublished - 2025

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The role of clients in identifying forced sex work'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this