The most fundamental distinction we make is between indoor prostitution and street prostitution.

Street prostitution is the most visible form of prostitution. In street prostitution, sellers and buyers meet in public spaces. The sexual service is generally performed in a hotel room, a car or at the customer’s home. This kind of prostitution requires far less organisation than indoor prostitution.

Today, indoor prostitution make up the most substantial portion of the Norwegian prostitution market. In the indoor market, the buyer and seller usually meet through various advertising channels. This usually takes place on the internet, mainly through specialised websites for advertising sexual services. Sellers and buyer also meet through websites and chatrooms for people wanting to find a new partner or, for instance dating sites. Customers are received in the seller’s home, in a flat used by the seller (either alone or jointly with others), in a hotel or the customer’s home.

There are also massage parlours in the indoor market. However, running this form of business holds complications due the attention from the police. Landlords and housing associations risk being prosecuted under the law on pimping in the Norwegian General Civil Penal Code if they earn money from other people selling sex. Some sex sellers also operate out of hotels, restaurants and clubs.

You can read more about developments in the various prostitution markets in Pro Sentret’s annual reports here.