On May 1st, new laws came into force. The time for rape and genital mutilation against children was abolished and the minimum penalty for serious child pornography crimes increased. The amendments to the law mean that it is possible to report a rape or a female genital mutilation to a child, regardless of when the… Read more »
How are women in prostitution and pornography affected by covid-19?
The corona virus affects everyone. However, some are more vulnerable than others. The recommendations directed at women in prostitution highlight a lack of knowledge about their reality and the rising demand for pornography can have terrible consequences. The European Network of Migrant Women has written an article on how migrant women are affected by the… Read more »
Three questions for Kristin Kaspersen
Kristin Kaspersen has led some of Sweden’s most popular television shows throughout the years. Since 2013 she has released four books about health and wellbeing, a matter in which she also holds lectures and that is prominent on her Instagram account. Now, she has answered RealStars’ three questions. 1. What makes you happy? – To… Read more »
Three questions for Magnus Almhed
Every so often, RealStars interviews people to answer three questions and to offer their perspective on the work against trafficking and how to prevent unfair sex. Magnus Almhed was one of the people who helped RealStars during their first years. At the time, he was working at an advertising agency and fine-tuned our text, copy… Read more »
Time to start taking sex purchases seriously
The last couple of days, we have been able to listen to the Swedish Radio’s investigation of prostitution in Sweden. The feature address, among other things, problems regarding how the Swedish authorities handle sex purchases. The police fail in their work against sex purchases in many parts of the country. In several counties not a… Read more »
New review by Robert Schenck – The theater piece Föddhora
On Friday, February 14, 2020, Robert Schenck visited Stora Teatern in Gothenburg to see the production of Föddhora. Föddhora is a theater piece by Martina Montelius played by Lo Kauppi. Here are Robert’s reflections after seeing the play. For those who missed the opportunity in Gothenburg, the set will also be played at Vävenscenen in… Read more »
Worrying sex trafficking at Thai massage salons
Through RealStar’s pioneering efforts with Thai massage salons, we have had hundreds of conversations with women and men at the salons. A frightening picture of the situation emerges with sexual exploitation, insecure work environment, vulnerability and lack of support and integration. Our initiative breaks the silence and we are proud of the film and labeling… Read more »
Project DESIrE presented at RealStars annual meeting
RealStars annual meeting 2019 was held in the end of May at Clarion Hotel Post in Gothenburg, and as tradition we invite a guest that enriches us. This year we got to take a part of Dr. Wanjiku Kaime-Atterhög’s research at Uppsala University. She lectured on the project DESIrE and afterwards our volunteer Susanna Gothall… Read more »
New labeling to stop sex buyers in Thai salons
The sex trade at Thai massage parlors has expanded and proceeded undisturbed around the country. Now the organization RealStars is launching a labeling and an educational film to focus on demand with the support of the Sex Purchase Act. The industry is involved for a joint force demonstration. Sex purchases at hotels and during the… Read more »
Engagement against sex purchases during sporting events in Åre and Östersund
In connection to the Alpine World Ski Cup in Åre and the Biathlon World Championships in Östersund 2019, the County Administrative Board of Jämtland County ran a campaign against sex purchases and prostitution. It is well known that the problem is increasing in connection with major events and RealStars has, for example, raised the issue… Read more »