Source: PG 15
From a report issued in advance of the proposition, it is clear
that the basis of the latter assignment is the criminalization of any successful or attempted purchase of sexual services (Prop. 1997/98:55, p. 107). That is clear from the following excerpt:
In light of the criminalization of the purchase of sexual services, and
the findings of the public inquiry [SOU 1995:15] concerning the con-
tinual changes that occur with regard to the types and contact channels of prostitution, it is important to continually follow developments at the national level. There is a need for up-to-date knowledge on the extent of prostitution, as well as an overview of the research conducted in this area. The influence on Sweden of international developments regarding trafficking with women and views of prostitution should also be considered.
Consequently, the National Board of Health and Welfare's assignment regarding prostitution was formulated as follows:
[Further], the National Board of Health and Welfare shall monitor and
gather knowledge of the extent and development of prostitution, and of social measures that are carried out at the local level. The National
Board of Health and Welfare shall also monitor international develop-
ments in matters of prostitution.
Need for preventive measures, pg14
There is a need for various types of measure to prevent new recruiting to
prostitution. Informants point out that measures directed to young people are
especially important. It is difficult to get through to young people in this
matter, partly because they seldom regard their activities as prostitution.
Rather, they interpret them as services in exchange for visits to restaurants,
narcotics, clothes and other non-monetary benefits. Young people's use of
the Internet provides new contact possibilities, and several informants think
they see a development in which boundaries are becoming unclear. It is the-
refore urgent to engage young people in discussions of such issues as sexu-
ality, prostitution, limits of personal integrity, and relationships.
Further, it is important to be on the lookout for, make early contact with,
and support young people who show signs of emotional distress– for ex-
ample, in the schools (including health services), youth health clinics, and
psychiatric services for children and young people.