Prostitution in Sweden

2003

Knowledge, Beliefs & Attitudes

Of Key Informants

The Board classifies its publications into different types of document. This is a Situation description. This means that it contains reports on and analysis of surveys and other forms of follow-up of legislation, activities, resources, etc. conducted by municipalities, county councils and private principals in health care, the social services, public health and infectious diseases prevention. It may constitute background mate- rial for the authority’s positions and be included as part of broader follow-ups and evaluations of e.g. reforms and the allocation of means for incentives. The Board is res

onsible for contents and conclusions.

Artikelnr 2004-131-28

Publiceradwww.socialstyrelsen.se, oktober 2004

Foreword

The National Board of Health and Welfare has, in accordance with the Pro- position on Women's Safety (Kvinnofridspropositionen 1997/98:55), been assigned by the Swedish government to gather information on and to moni- tor the extent and development of prostitution, and of social measures appli- ed at the local level. The first report in connection with that assignment was published in 2000 under the title of “Prostitution in Sweden, 1998– 1999“.(Kännedom om prostitution 1998–1999). It is now followed up with this, the second report which focuses on the extent and development of prostitution.

This report is based primarily on interviews with a number of individuals whose work involves dealing with prostitution. We also cite the relevant research in this area.

The report has been produced by a working group comprised of Eva Am- besjö, Annika Eriksson and Merike Lidholm, all of whom are employed with the Individual & Family Unit of the National Board of Health and Wel- fare.

The text has been reviewed by the Board's expert advisory panel, as well as Prof. Malin Åkerström of Lund University, Prof. Sven-Axel Månsson of the Malmö Institute of Advanced Studies, and Eva Tiby, Ph.D., of Stock- holm University. Their suggestions have been carefully considered and, to the fullest extent possible, incorporated into the report.

Inger Widén Cederberg, Director
Individual & Family Unit
National Board of Health and Welfare