Criminalisation of sex work through the criminalisation of sex workers, third parties or clients has been shown to increase violence and health risks and reduce effective access to justice and health care.
Several countries such as Sweden, Norway, France and Ireland have implemented the ‘Swedish model’ criminalising clients of sex workers. Since the implementation of this model sex workers have faced increased violence and stigma. Migrants and street-based sex workers are especially vulnerable to repressive laws.