We use cookies to collect anonymous data to help us improve your site browsing experience. Click 'Accept all cookies' to agree to all cookies that collect anonymous data. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only. Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can change your cookie settings at any time. The focus of this chapter is to provide an overview of the evidence assessed on the cases of New Zealand and the Netherlands. Both jurisdictions have adopted very different legislative approaches to prostitution than challenging demand models, favouring instead the decriminalisation of the selling of sex and the legalisation of regulated forms of purchase.
Evidence on both cases was assessed with the aim of maximising opportunities for learning through the identification of examples of best practice with regards to welfare and safety provisions which may support women and men involved in prostitution. An examination of the merits of the legislative approaches adopted in both jurisdictions lies beyond the scope of the present review.
Similar issues with regards to the availability and quality of the evidence identified in research on challenging demand approaches were encountered in the literature on New Zealand and the Netherlands. The identification of examples of best practice was limited by sparse research directly addressing "what works" with regards to support and welfare provisions in both countries. Relevant research primarily draws from small scale qualitative and quantitative studies with limited representativeness and generalisability.
The reliance on literature published in English, however, may mean some key evidence is not included. The assessment of examples of best practice was also limited by the incompatibility of some of the provisions introduced in both countries which run contrary to challenging demand's core principles outlined in Chapter 4.
Research on the effects of the legalisation of brothels and purchase was, therefore, not considered. The evidence examined does nevertheless provide some potentially useful insights with regards to approaches to improved representation of women and men involved in prostitution in policy making as well as stakeholder engagement and collaboration.
