To end abuses in the sex industry, the Netherlands recently changed the law.
It is legal to employ prostitutes who have reached the age of majority and do the work voluntarily, but stricter criminal-law measures will be taken to protect them from being exploited. By legalising and decriminalising prostitution, the government has made it possible to gain more control over the sex industry and counter abuses. At the same time, firmer action will be taken against offenders. This approach is in the interests of prostitutes and will make it easier to combat sexual violence and abuse and the traffic in persons.
