Pro Sentret was set up in 1983 as Oslo municipality’s service for persons with experience of selling or trading sex. In 1993, the then Minister of Social Affairs Grethe Knudsen named Pro Sentret a national centre of expertise.The centre is run by Oslo Municipality, and is financed jointly by the central government and the city. Pro Sentret is staffed by professionals from a range of backgrounds. 

Our services and priorities are based on national and municipal plans relating to prostitution and human trafficking.

As a centre of expertise, we provide information and advice throughout Norway on the following areas:

  • the prostitution market, as well as commercial sexual exploitation of minors
  • reasons for entering prostitution, and the potential harmful consequences
  • best practice in healthcare and social work aimed at current and former sex workers

We shall focus on prevention, promote gender equality and monitor developments in Norway and internationally.

We shall also:

  • provide advice, if requested, to employees in the welfare services
  • deal with enquiries from current and former sex workers
  • assist universities, colleges and other further education establishments with materials and training
  • receive students and interns
  • initiate research
  • prepare documentation
  • provide public information and work to change attitudes.

We are constantly adapting our services to meet the needs of our user group. They include working with individuals over the long term, providing drop-in healthcare services and doing outreach work.