Forced prostitution and human trafficking
Prostitution or sex work means offering sex in exchange for money or other advantages.
When people are lured into prostitution with false promises of a better future in another country, this is called human trafficking.
Voluntary prostitution is legal in the Netherlands if the sex worker is over 18 years of age. In some municipalities, a minimum age of 21 applies. Prostitution without consent is forbidden by law and is severely punished. This includes any situation where somebody is forced to work as a sex worker.
Any situation where the sex worker or the client is younger than 18 or 21 years is also illegal.
Human trafficking is also punished in the Netherlands.
If you are a victim of human trafficking or forced prostitution you can contact a specialised organisation. They can help you with the procedure and will respect your privacy.
You can also go to the police to report your situation and seek protection. If you know somebody who is a victim of forced prostitution you can contact the police or call the phone number 0900-8844.