Amsterdam introduces reforms for prostitution

by Letizia Orlandi - 2013.03.05

Amsterdam has become the first Dutch city to raise the minimum legal age for prostitution from 18 to 21 years. The increase is part of a set of measures to combat abuse of prostitutes and to protect the 8,000 people currently working as prostitutes in the city. The local authorities have also launched a public consultation to gather proposals from social workers, who are being called upon to take on more responsibility. As part of the initiative, social workers are being asked to propose a business plan that outlines the rights of young prostitutes and ensures they are not at risk of being trafficked. They are also being asked to test the language skills of prostitutes to ensure they can communicate adequately with clients. They will also establish hours of work with a ban on working after 21:00, since the majority of abuse takes place at night, as well as check the premises of work for hygiene and rental rates. The higher rents for houses used for prostitution in fact translates into longer working hours to cover the rent.