Policing pleasure: International comparisons of what works to reduce the solicitation of sex

• In Event: Policing and sex crimes

Abstract

To date, research and legislation targeting sex workers dominates the literature. Given the increase of interest in reducing sex trafficking and recognitions that sex workers are victims rather than offenders, efforts have been made to focus on other participants playing a role in this problem. Notably, there is very little focus on those who solicit sex from the workers, colloquially known as “Johns”. Given that men who solicit sex represent the demand for sex work, research on criminal legal responses towards this group is warranted. In this study, we compare American efforts to sentence and punish men who solicit sex to international efforts. We examine the legislation of Sweden, Australia, and the Netherlands, representing nations where prostitution is illegal, regulated, or legal respectively. After reviewing their policies, we compare them to legislation in the United States, where prostitution is criminalized. A discussion on the effectiveness of each approach is presented. The findings from this review can further inform researchers about the most effective approach for managing men who solicit sex.

Authors

• Nhi Ngoc Hoang Le, Sam Houston State University

• Holly A. Miller, Sam Houston State University

• Jordan Medrano, Sam Houston State University