Prostitution in Denmark

Prostitution in Denmark is undergoing a change and the purpose of this survey is to provide updated information on this subject. We have used several different methodologies in this survey, and prostitution has been mapped out using both qualitative and quantitative methods as well as a literature study. We have used qualitative methods such as interviews, observation and reviewing records from a social services programme aimed at foreign prostitutes. The interviews were conducted with present and former prostitutes in different types of prostitution, as well as with NGO professionals and public authorities. The quantitative methods we have used include two 24-hour counts of street prostitutes, a questionnaire survey and an advertisement count, providing data to assess the extent of prostitution, and specific knowledge about the living conditions of sex workers.
In addition, we have collected data from the National Centre of Investigation of the National Commission of the Danish Police as well as from the Mødestedet, a support centre for foreign female sex workers in the red-light district of Copenhagen, Vesterbro.
This report includes the main results of the survey. These results generally fall into two groups:
1. An overview of the extent of prostitution in Denmark.
2. A clarification of living conditions for sex workers.