Sex work and the law: The implementation of the Nordic Model in N. Ireland…

By Dr Caoimhe Ní Dhónaill

In September, The Department of Justice released a report assessing the impact of the change in law regarding sex work in Northern Ireland, with some surprising results.

The law around sex work had been changed in 2015 to what is known as the Sex Purchase Law, or The Nordic Model, which criminalises the purchasing, but not the selling of sex. Supporters of this law suggest that by only penalising the buyers of sex, there will be a reduction in demand for sex workers, creating an environment which would encourage people to leave the industry, but without putting them at risk of arrest, prosecution or general harm.

However, in the research conducted by Queen’s University researchers, this has not proven to be the case. The overall demand for sex work in Northern Ireland has, in fact, slightly increased, there have been very few arrests or prosecutions of sex purchasers and, most concerning of all, the researcher found that sex workers feel less safe, and more likely to be abused and threatened since the law has come into place.

This unique research is crucial in the debates around sex work, as it represents the first research anywhere to directly compare the state of sex work before and after the Nordic Model was introduced. This legal model has supporters in subsets of feminism, religious groups, and in some politic lobbies, and has been introduced in a number of countries, with more considering implementing it.

This research calls into question the benefits its proponents claim around its effectiveness at reducing demand, penalising only purchasers, while protecting sex workers themselves.

This Saturday, join Dr Caoimhe Ní Dhónaill, as she discusses the research, how it came about, and what the implications are for the future of the law and sex work in Northern Ireland. The talk will be held in the Old Staff Common Room, Queen’s University Belfast, on Saturday 9^th November at 2pm. Book your free tickets here…

Queen’s Policy Engagement

QPol is the ‘front door’ for public policy engagement at Queen’s University Belfast, supporting academics and policymakers in sharing evidence-based research and ideas on the major social, cultural and economic challenges facing society regionally, nationally and beyond. Website: qpol.qub.ac.uk  Email:  [email protected]

qpol.qub.ac.uk