“Sweden was the first country to truly identify the source of the problem. . . demand. . . and to propose a solution that was actually effective.” This quote from Ane Mathieson, Co-Director of the , ties together the title of the symposium, “Combatting Commercial Sexual Exploitation Through Equality Model Policies and Laws” and the title of panel one, “Sweden: Where it All Started.” This panel continued the conversation started at the 2022 Symposium, “Combatting Commercial Sexual Exploitation through Law and Policy,” where panelists emphasized the importance of Sweden’s policies in the development of the Equality Model.
This powerful discussion featured Silvia Ingolfsdottir Åkermark, Attorney, Brottsbryan advokatena Akermark & Lodin AB; Anna Ekerstedt, Swedish Ambassador at Large for Combating Trafficking in Persons; Madeliene Sundell, National Coordinator Anti-Human Trafficking at the Salvation Army; and Annika Svenson, a police officer for the Swedish National Police. The panel was moderated by Ane Mathieson, the Co-Director at the EMPOWER Center at Sanctuary for Families.
All panelists spoke about and support the Equality Model, which originated in Sweden. The panelists detailed the four basic tenants of the Equality Model and the Swedish Sex Purchase Act, enacted in 1999. The four tenants are: (1) decriminalization of the prostituted person; (2) criminalization of sex buyers and facilitators with a commitment to treating buying sex as a serious crime; (3) a public education campaign about the inherent harms of prostitution; and (4) funded, robust, and holistic exit services for victims of commercial sexual exploitation. The panelists shared how the Equality Model works in Sweden, the success of the law, and the work that is still to be done. They concluded by exhorting advocates in the anti-trafficking movement to replicate and implement the Equality Model within their own communities.
The panelists highlighted the importance of targeting the demand and educating those who purchase sex on the impact of their choices on the individuals they purchase from and on society as a whole. A salient aspect of the Equality Model as implemented in Sweden is the national awareness campaigns, funded by the government, that illustrate and educate on the harms of prostitution. commented on the gendered nature of the commercial sex industry stating that “if we live in a society where men and women are buying children, we will never have an equal society.”
Further, the panelists spoke about the importance of collaboration in implementing the Equality Model in Sweden. Because prostitution is decriminalized the National Police prioritize targeting sex buyers, traffickers, and pimps. When they encounter a woman engaged in prostitution, they do not treat her as a criminal, but collaborate with community stakeholders to ensure she has access to the services and supports she needs. Swedish National Police Officer Annika Svensson gave meaningful insight into the most successful methods for deterring sex buying. This includes conducting investigations around sex buyers and immediately reporting the arrest to social services to provide resources to the prostituted person, whether they are an adult or child. Officer Svensson also shared that there are resources available, such as therapy and education, for those who purchase sex. Further, she highlighted the large role that drugs play in commercial sexual exploitation, as they are often a tool used to by traffickers to control their victims and instill a fear and distrust of law enforcement. Officer Svensson is leading the way in starting conversations with survivors to help law enforcement develop more effective ways to communicate and build trust with survivors.
After sharing the incredible successes and lessons we can learn from the Equality Model in Sweden, Officer Svensson reminded the audience that, “we can never sit back and be satisfied with our law, we always have to develop better ways.” The panelists all agreed that the most important way to improve our legislation is to listen to survivors and people engaged in prostitution and allow them to lead and inform the advocacy. expressed excitement to watch global advocates work creatively to apply the Equality Model to the context and culture of their own community, stating, “we don’t want you or the world to do it the Swedish way. We want you to do it your own way.”
Thank you again to our great group of panelists! The panel was moderated by Ane Mathieson, Co-Director, The EMPOWER Center Sanctuary for Families. The panelists include:
- Silvia Ingolfsdottir Åkermark, Attorney, Brottsbryan advokatena Åkermark & Lodin AB
- Anna Ekstedt, Swedish Ambassador at Large for Combatting Trafficking in Persons
- Madeline Sundell, National Coordinator Anti-Human Trafficking, The Salvation Army, Sweden
- Annika Svensson, National Police, Sweden
Watch the full panel and experience the impactful and wise statements of these panelists for yourself here.
All views expressed herein are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law or of Villanova University.