back to
programme
Speaker: Marieke
van Doorninck
Affiliation: Dutch
Institute for Prostitution Issues
Presentation Title: Keeping
the Balance: The Dutch Experience of 20 Years Streetwalking Zones
Abstract
Since the mid eighties local policies regarding street prostitution
have changed in the Netherlands. Instead of enforcing repressive policies
by arresting women and chase motorists, eight Dutch towns decided to regulate
street prostitution through the installation of official streetwalking
zones.
The zones have been successful in protecting public order and establishing
a safer workplace for street sex workers at the same time. This doesn't
mean the zones have not been confronted with a range of problems through
the years. The Dutch experience shows that the policy of zoning is a matter
of constantly keeping the balance between the pro's en cons of regulated
street prostitution and between the interests of different groups.
