Selling sex—getting something for having sex

There are different ways to sell sex

Selling sex does not always mean having sexual intercourse. It can also mean doing other sexual things. Here are some examples:

• showing yourself naked in front of a camera
• masturbating in front of someone else
• oral sex – giving someone a blowjob or cunnilingus.

You can get something other than money for selling sex

Selling sex involves payment with money or other things. Here are some examples: 

• somewhere to sleep
• food
• drugs
• clothes
• a job.

There can be different reasons why someone sells sex. Here are some examples:

• The need for money, food, clothes or somewhere to sleep.
• The need for drugs.
• Being forced by someone else.
• Feeling bad and wanting to hurt yourself.

It is common to feel bad about selling sex

It varies how people feel if they have sold sex. Many people who sell sex keep it a secret. It can cause a feeling of loneliness.

Some people think it feels good to get paid for sex. But it is common to feel bad afterwards. You may feel scared if you have been forced to do something you did not want to do.

It is illegal to pay someone to do sexual things. It is illegal even if the payment was something other than money. A person who pays for sex can be punished with a fine or be sent to prison.

It is not a crime to sell sex

However, it is not a crime to sell sex in Sweden. You have not done anything illegal if you have received money or something else for doing something sexual.

It is illegal to make someone else sell sex

It is illegal to earn money from someone else selling sex. For example, if a person arranges for someone else to have sex with you.

It is sexual assault if someone does something sexual with you that you do not want. It can also be rape. Even if you said yes at the start, you always have the right to change your mind.

You can report the person who has bought sex from you to the police. Here are examples of why it is a good idea to make a report to the police: 

• It can make you feel better.
• It can stop the person from buying sex from others.
• The person who has bought sex can be punished.

You can read more on the police website. You can also report a crime here: Polisen.se (link to a website in Swedish, but support is available in several languages).

It can feel good to tell someone if you have sold sex. 

You decide for yourself what you want to say and who you want to tell. It could be someone who works at a youth clinic (ungdomsmottagning), for example. You can get help to stop selling sex, and support to feel better.

You can also get help if you are worried about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy.

You can get help without giving your name

There are places you can contact without having to reveal your identity. Somaya support hotline is an example of such a place. You can contact them by phone to get help in several different languages.