The fight against prostitution and human trafficking requires perseverance. As the founder of RealStars, I have seen doors open and close, and it would be interesting to visualize a timeline of progress and setbacks. Raising awareness has its benefits, but at the same time, we already know what should have been done yesterday. RealStars is… Read more »
RealStars once again participated in the Book Fair. It was an experience filled with engagement and important conversations. This year, we focused on spreading specific knowledge about the Gothenburg police’s inaction regarding the high-profile Swish list containing 229 names of potential sex buyers linked to a pimping case from last summer. Every name counts. At… Read more »
Recently, the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, Reem Alsalem, presented an important report highlighting that prostitution is both a form and a consequence of men’s violence against women: “Prostitution and violence against women and girls.” RealStars welcomes the report’s clarity, especially in a climate where actors with ties to exploitation push… Read more »
In the final months of 2023, the Swedish government finally put sexual exploitation on the agenda and presented three important inquiries. These focus on stronger criminal law protection for minors, exit programs, and the vulnerability within pornography. These issues and inquiries are crucial for Sweden’s efforts to combat prostitution, and some of the proposed measures… Read more »
In the final months of 2023, the Swedish state took an important step by placing sexual exploitation on the agenda and presenting three critical investigations. These focus on stronger criminal law protections for young people, exit programs, and the vulnerabilities associated with pornography. These issues and investigations are vital for Sweden’s efforts to combat prostitution,… Read more »
In September, the European Parliament adopted a resolution recognizing prostitution as a form of violence against women and other vulnerable groups—a form of violence that cannot be effectively addressed as long as procuring and buying sex remain legal. The resolution encourages member states to follow the example of countries like Sweden and France by criminalizing… Read more »
Advocates for a liberal approach to prostitution laws often emphasize the difference between “voluntary” and forced prostitution/trafficking. But can prostitution truly be voluntary? In this text, I draw parallels to my own experience in prostitution, recounting how curiosity and rebellion quickly turned into desperation and coercion, trapping me in a vicious cycle of prostitution and… Read more »
In the beginning of November, it was time for the EU’s autumn conference and meetings for civil society organizations and national rapporteurs in Brussels. The Commission and the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator hosted the events, but the country holding the presidency left its mark. This term, the presidency was held by Spain, a country that in… Read more »
The EU’s 2011 Anti-Trafficking Directive1 has been instrumental in preventing and addressing human trafficking across Europe. Following an evaluation, the European Commission proposed on December 19, 2022, a strengthening of these regulations, aiming to equip law enforcement and judicial bodies with enhanced tools to investigate and prosecute emerging forms of exploitation. The Commission’s proposal includes,… Read more »
On Friday, January 27th, a significant milestone was reached in the collaboration between RealStars and Thai massage salons. As the Växtkraft Thai inheritance project came to a close, the Happy Ending event spotlighted the issue of sex purchasing. The day brought together a variety of new stakeholders eager to support the target group, reflecting strong… Read more »
