NCJ Number
219136
Date Published
2007
Length
111 pages
Annotation
This report presents the methodology and findings of the second evaluation (conducted in 2006) of the impact of the Dutch law enacted on October 1, 2000, that lifted the general ban on brothels while focusing enforcement efforts on unacceptable forms of involuntary prostitution, notably various types of human trafficking.
Abstract
Regarding municipal policy, enforcement, and compliance with this law, the evaluation found that all Dutch municipalities had completed the licensing process for brothels and were conducting some type of inspections. The police play the most important role in monitoring the licensed sector of prostitution and in conducting inspections. This has left little time and resources for the police to monitor and investigate punishable forms of prostitution outside the licensed sector. This has undermined the willingness of operators of licensed businesses to adhere to regulations while also weakening the enforcement of measures against human trafficking for the sex trade. The evaluation found scarcely any underage prostitutes working in the licensed sector, and there was no evidence of a sizeable presence of underage prostitutes in nonlicensed prostitution. The number of women who apply for a job at sex clubs without having the required documents has decreased, as has the provision of foreign prostitutes to clubs by intermediaries. There is a need for strategies and mechanisms that can assist in identifying and acting against involuntary prostitution. The anonymous tip line has been useful in this regard. The evaluation components presented in this report involved a survey of all Dutch municipalities, with the questionnaire completed by 385 of them (84 percent). Those not responding to the survey were questioned by telephone. A qualitative study was conducted in six municipalities in order to obtain more comprehensive results. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 354 prostitutes and 49 operators. 31 references