What is the legal status of prostitution in Geneva?
Prostitution is fully legal and regulated in Geneva under Swiss federal law. Sex workers operate within a decriminalized framework requiring health checks and business registration. Geneva implements federal laws through local ordinances governing zoning and health protocols.
Switzerland decriminalized prostitution in 1942, adopting a regulatory approach focused on public health and worker safety. In Geneva, sex workers must:
- Register with cantonal authorities if working independently
- Undergo mandatory STI screenings every 3 months
- Comply with taxation like any self-employed professional
The legal age for sex work is 18, matching Switzerland’s age of consent. Third-party exploitation (pimping) remains illegal under Article 195 of the Swiss Criminal Code, with Geneva authorities actively prosecuting trafficking cases.
How does Geneva’s system differ from other European countries?
Geneva’s model emphasizes harm reduction over prohibition, contrasting with France’s “Nordic Model” that criminalizes clients. Unlike Germany’s large brothel complexes, Geneva maintains smaller-scale establishments with strict occupancy limits.
Key differentiators include:
- Health Mandates: Geneva requires documented STI testing, while testing is voluntary in Spain
- Zoning: Designated tolerance zones like Rue de Berne prevent street solicitation in residential areas
- Support Services: State-funded groups like Aspasie provide unparalleled health/legal support
Where are Geneva’s legal prostitution zones located?
Geneva’s primary red-light district centers on Rue de Berne near Cornavin station, with smaller zones in Eaux-Vives and Paquis. These areas concentrate legal brothels and street-based work within defined boundaries to minimize neighborhood impact.
The Rue de Berne corridor features:
- 20+ licensed brothels (“maisons de tolérance”) with regulated operating hours
- Street-based workers permitted 8PM-5AM in marked areas
- Police patrols and emergency call boxes for safety
Outside these zones, solicitation is prohibited. Most indoor establishments avoid prominent signage due to Geneva’s discreet business culture. Escort services operate legally but require appointments rather than street visibility.
What safety precautions exist in Geneva’s red-light districts?
Designated safe zones feature panic buttons, regular police patrols, and NGO outreach teams to prevent violence. Geneva invests significantly in safety infrastructure unseen in unregulated markets.
Protection measures include:
- Blue emergency posts with direct police communication lines
- Monthly safety workshops by Aspasie (sex worker union)
- Anonymous crime reporting systems separate from main police stations
- Condom distribution points monitored for supplies
What health regulations govern sex workers in Geneva?
Mandatory quarterly STI screenings and condom requirements form the cornerstone of Geneva’s health protocol. The canton provides subsidized testing through University Hospital Geneva (HUG) clinics.
Health regulations require:
- Documented HIV/syphilis/gonorrhea tests every 90 days
- Free vaccination programs for hepatitis A/B
- On-site condoms in all brothels with disposal protocols
- NGO-distributed health kits containing emergency contraception
Violations carry fines up to CHF 5,000. Remarkably, Geneva’s sex worker HIV prevalence remains under 1% – significantly lower than neighboring countries without testing mandates.
How do sex workers access healthcare services?
Specialized clinics like Checkpoint Genève offer anonymous, free services exclusively for sex workers. These facilities provide:
- STI testing without identity requirements
- Multilingual staff (French/English/Spanish/Portuguese)
- Mental health counseling and addiction support
- Legal advocacy for insurance enrollment
What support organizations exist for Geneva sex workers?
Aspasie leads Geneva’s support network with legal aid, health advocacy, and exit programs funded by canton grants. Established in 1986, it’s Switzerland’s oldest sex worker union.
Key services include:
- Legal Clinic: Assistance with residency permits, contract disputes, and police interactions
- Language Classes: French courses prioritizing migrant workers
- Exit Programs: Vocational training partnerships with Geneva job centers
- Crisis Housing: Emergency shelters separate from domestic violence networks
Other organizations like F-Information provide gender-specific counseling, while the Centre LAVI assists trafficking victims. All services maintain strict confidentiality protocols.
Can migrant sex workers access support services legally?
Yes, Geneva guarantees service access regardless of residency status through “firewall” privacy protections. Support organizations:
- Never share client data with immigration authorities
- Provide multilingual interpreters for police reporting
- Help navigate Switzerland’s temporary work visa system
What challenges do sex workers face despite legalization?
Persistent stigma, banking restrictions, and housing discrimination remain key challenges under Geneva’s legal framework. Legal status hasn’t eliminated societal barriers.
Ongoing issues include:
- Financial Exclusion: Major Swiss banks often deny accounts to registered sex workers
- Housing Barriers: Landlords frequently reject applicants citing “morality clauses”
- Childcare Limitations: Schools sometimes exclude children of known sex workers
- Visa Complications: Non-EU workers face residency hurdles despite legal employment
Advocacy groups continue pushing for stronger anti-discrimination laws and financial inclusion measures. Recent victories include Geneva’s 2022 ordinance prohibiting rental discrimination based on profession.
How does legalization impact human trafficking risks?
Geneva’s transparent system reduces trafficking by enabling worker reporting, though monitoring continues. Legal frameworks create:
- Worker registrations that help identify exploitation patterns
- Anonymous tip lines operated by NGOs
- Mandatory training for hotel staff to spot trafficking signs
Police reported 22 trafficking investigations in 2023 – significantly lower per capita than neighboring France. Most cases involved illegal massage parlors operating outside the regulated zones.
How does Geneva’s approach benefit public health?
Regulated systems demonstrate lower STI transmission and enhanced disease surveillance capabilities. Geneva’s public health outcomes include:
- Syphilis rates 60% lower than in neighboring French departments
- Routine wastewater testing in tolerance zones for early outbreak detection
- 98% condom compliance in controlled brothel environments
- Free PrEP access through specialized clinics
The canton’s integrated approach allows contact tracing impossible in illegal markets. Sex workers also serve as health educators for high-risk populations, distributing prevention materials through Aspasie’s peer network.
What emergency resources are available?
Dedicated hotlines and rapid-response teams operate 24/7 for violence reporting and health crises. Key contacts include:
- Sex Worker Emergency Line: +41 22 731 76 33 (multilingual)
- Police Vulnerable Persons Unit: Direct line at main station
- Crisis Medical: HUG’s specialized STI prophylaxis clinic
