Det bortglömda offret? En rättssociologisk studie om sexköpslagen

Sammanfattning: Prostitution is a complex problem, because its surrounding legal and social norms are subject to constant debate across the world. While prostitution is not punishable by law in Sweden, the purchase of sexual services is. The seller of such services, however, cannot assume plaintiff status. The aim of this study is to contribute to a broader understanding of how the design of the law has impacted both societal attitudes and police work directed at prostitution. To determine the above, a combination of two methods has been utilized: (i) a quantitative survey aimed at the general public, and (ii) qualitative interviews with employees of the Swedish police force who deal daily with prostitution. An inductive approach has been adopted, and Christie’s theory about the “ideal victim” has been applied in the analysis of the results. The study found that the design of the law may have had an impact on societal attitudes towards prostitutes. The results indicate that many believe that prostitutes are in fact victims of continuous abuse, the majority of respondents nonetheless wish to see the sale of sexual services criminalized. By contrast, employees of the Swedish police force have expressed gratitude for prostitution being a non-criminal act, as the cooperative relationship that is fundamental to their work with prostitutes would be endangered were prostitution a punishable offence. The design of the law has made it difficult both for society to take a stand in the debate around prostitution, and for prostitutes to be seen as legitimate victims.