Violence against women is a pressing issue, yet one group remains largely overlooked: sex workers. Laws criminalizing the purchase of sex, like those in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, are intended to combat human trafficking. However, evidence suggests these laws, based on the Nordic Model, are ineffective and even detrimental.
Despite a 2015 law criminalizing the purchase of sex in Northern Ireland, arrests far outnumber convictions, indicating poor enforcement. Meanwhile, trafficking cases have surged. Women's Aid reported a significant increase in trafficking victims, primarily sexually exploited, from 47 in 2021 to 243 in 2023. This highlights the law's failure to address the root of the problem.
Former sex workers like Ruth Jacobs and Anna Rajmon have warned of the dangers of such legislation. Jacobs argued that these laws criminalize sex workers, making them more vulnerable and hindering support services. Rajmon, who experienced exploitation and abuse while working in Ireland, tragically exemplifies these dangers. Her firsthand account, "Elis - Irish Call Girl," paints a grim picture of the industry's realities.
The Nordic Model, while well-intentioned, fails to consider the complexities of the sex trade. Full legalization has its drawbacks, as seen in Switzerland, while a complete ban can exacerbate trafficking. Alternative approaches, such as the Merseyside model, which focuses on supporting sex workers and treating attacks as hate crimes, may offer more effective solutions.
Crucially, the voices of sex workers themselves are often ignored. Jacobs and Rajmon offer valuable insights and nuanced proposals, but their perspectives are rarely considered in policy discussions. As Rajmon aptly concludes, "It's a much-discussed topic, but it seems that the conversation always stops at just talking." Addressing the issue effectively requires a shift in approach, one that centers the experiences and needs of sex workers.