Updated 06:17 | Published at 06:02
A year ago, the penalty scale for buying sex was tightened, but despite this, no one is sentenced to prison.
Saga Brodersen, 24, who has her own experience of prostitution, wants the legislation tightened even more.
– It is probably easier today, with digitization, to buy access to another body. It’s just a click away, she says.
Aftonbladet’s 200 seconds has previously reported on a broker who is suspected of having bought sex in an apartment that he was going to sell.
Saga Brodersen, 24, who is a coordinator at the association Intedinhora and an expert on Child X, is not surprised. On the contrary – her own experiences with sex buyers is that they come in all forms.
– I’ve had cods who were car mechanics, one was a high-ranking manager, a taxi driver and a broker. There is no specific type, it can be anyone. From all walks of life and all professions.
“Degraded for a long time”
Saga was only 15 years old when she herself was subjected to sex shopping. Past experiences of abuse and grooming left her trapped in a darkness, which made it difficult for her to get out.
– It is easy for it to happen, because you have been broken down for a long time. You have been exposed to so many types of violence and rape that you don’t really understand that you can leave.
It is not uncommon to end up in the hands of a pimp, which can result in life-threatening situations. But Saga received help to get out of the violence, including from the non-profit association Ellencentret and Mikamottagningen in Stockholm.
– I was so lucky that I received adequate and professional help, in time.
Just a click away
Since 2019, the number of people suspected of either buying sexual services or of having exploited children under the age of 18 by buying sexual acts has almost doubled.
Saga Brodersen believes it may be due to digitization – that buying sex is just a click away.
– I think you have an image of a cod living alone in a house out in the country, who is strange and lonely. But that is not the case, it is rather middle class, lives in the middle of town with two children. It is much more common.
FACT Help for those who buy sex
You who buy sexual services can get help and counseling to stop.
arrow KAST – Buyer of sexual services
Several municipalities have a so-called KAST operation, where you can turn if you buy sexual services, surf porn, have questions about buying sex or feel that you have a sex addiction. You have the option to remain anonymous.
You are offered counseling on how to go about quitting, via conversation therapy via phone, email or visit.
Relatives of sex buyers can also get in touch for advice and support.
Kast receptions can be found in Stockholm, Malmö (Evonhuset), Gothenburg, Karlstad, Västerås, Umeå and Skellefteå, among others.
arrow Preventive
Preventell is a national helpline, which is for those who feel they have lost control of their sexuality, or are worried about thoughts and actions that could harm themselves or others.
There is also a national helpline, PrevenTellwhich is for those who feel that they have lost control over their sexuality, or who may feel a concern about thoughts and actions that could harm themselves or others.
You have the option to remain anonymous.
Telephone number: 020 – 66 77 88
Telephone hours: Weekdays between 12.00 and 15.00
Read more
A year ago, the law on the purchase of sex was tightened. Despite that, no one has been sentenced to prison yet. Personally, Saga would have liked to see the Sex Purchase Act be a rape crime instead.
– Consent cannot be bought for money, and then it automatically becomes abuse, in my opinion.
“Sending a signal”
It has been a year since the punishment for buying sex was tightened. Eva Johansson, deputy chief prosecutor, is not yet aware of any case where someone has been sentenced to prison.
– The problem is that it is difficult to catch sex buyers twice. You almost have to trip over them, she says.
Is it even worth it to tighten the penalty scale then – if no one is convicted?
– It sends out a very clear signal to society, that the fact that someone considers themselves to have the right to take possession of a body and do things with it, just because they paid money, is taken seriously. Society takes the buying of sex seriously.
But she still wants to emphasize that anyone who takes the liberty of buying sex can be guilty of a more serious crime.
– If you can produce proof that a person does not sell sex voluntarily, then the buyer is guilty of rape. That’s three years in prison.
“Want to be involved and change”
Today, Saga Brodersen works to illuminate and change the view on sex purchases. She has helped start an international network with other women who have been exposed to commercial sexual exploitation, Beyond survivors, which, among other things, works with advocacy work on an international level. Beyond Survivors is initiated by ChildX, which works against human trafficking of children.
– I know how terrible it is to be in this situation of violence, and I want to be part of changing it for the better.
She wants to tell all the women who are exposed in prostitution that nothing is their “fault” and that the guilt and shame do not lie with them.
– You have the law on your side, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. No shame or guilt is on you, regardless of whether you “choose” to go there. At least I know it’s not like that, she says and continues:
– There is hope for a better life.
FACT Help for those stuck in prostitution
Talk to someone you trust, call a helpline or seek care. You may feel alone and outside in your situation, but in reality there are many who have thought and felt like you. You’re not alone.
Who should I talk to?
You can talk to a person who works in healthcare, or to someone you know. It is also possible to contact someone in a phone or chat helpline.
– The crime victim hotline. Offers support and assistance to victims of crime as well as sheltered accommodation or financial support. Can also assist in a legal process.
– Talita. Helps women out of prostitution, pornography and human trafficking for sexual purposes.
– The Mika reception in Gothenburg and Stockholm. Offers support and help to people who have had sex for payment, are victims of human trafficking or injure themselves with sex.
– The Women’s Peace Line. Women who have been subjected to violence, threats or abuse can call here and get support.
– Noomi in Malmö. Support activities for women exposed to violence, with a focus on those exploited in prostitution and human trafficking for sexual purposes.
– Roks – The national organization for women’s shelters and girls’ shelters in Sweden offers support, advice and help to women and children exposed to violence, most shelters also offer sheltered accommodation.
– Unizon – national association that brings together over 130 women’s shelters, girls’ shelters and other support activities that work for an equal society free from violence.
Read moreFAKTABrå’s statistics on the purchase of sexual services
2018:
Purchase of sexual acts by children under the age of 18: 47
Purchase of sexual service: 492
Total: 539
2019:
Purchase of sexual acts by children under the age of 18: 71
Purchase of sexual service: 501
Total: 572
2020:
Exploitation of children under the age of 18 through the purchase of sexual acts 84
Purchase of sexual service: 644
Total: 728
2021:
Exploitation of children under the age of 18 through the purchase of sexual acts 59 pcs
Purchase of sexual service 1,183
Total: 1242
2022:
Exploitation of children under the age of 18 through the purchase of sexual acts 42 pcs
Purchase of sexual service 1040
Total: 1082
A total of 4,163 people have been suspected of purchasing sexual services, of which 4,154 are men and 9 are women.
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