Dr. Teresa Whitaker:

Yes, I was highly disturbed when I read the report in question. It is heartbreaking to read such reports because the level of violence against women who are selling sex is unbelievably high. The report stated that no other group of women in Norway would be exposed to this level of violence. Sex workers are, therefore, a distinct group. The report noted there was more violence against Nigerians - I do not know if racism is also a factor - and less violence against women from Thailand. I also found it highly disturbing that the women were afraid to report violence to the police because attitudes are changing in Norway and people are become less tolerant of prostitution. This change is a result of the Swedish model of legislation which has led people to ask why women are engaged in prostitution if the purchase of sex is a criminal offence. Prostitutes are afraid to report violence for this reason.