Trafficking and prostitution in London

New research sheds new light on the levels of prostitution in London. The Poppy Project report, Brothels in London, was published on Thursday 4^th September and documented the results from a London wide research.

The key findings

Women representing 77 ethnicities were advertised, with the average age of the women being 21 years of age. Of additional concern, at some establishments, ‘very, very young girls’ were advertised. The research demonstrates the scale of commercial sexual exploitation across London, fuelled by demand for such services.

Harriet Harman, Leader of the House of Commons, also released figures on public perceptions of prostitution on Thursday. When asked whether they would support or oppose making it illegal to pay for sex as part of an attempt to reduce trafficking of women and children from abroad into prostitution in the UK, almost six in ten (58%) support the measure, while three in ten (31%) oppose it.

Background

With many individuals getting involved in prostitution at a young age, the chaotic life style, drug dependency and abuse make it difficult to leave without support. Prostitution has consequences not only for those directly involved in it, but also for the families and especially for the children of those in prostitution, for the local communities where prostitution takes place and for the wider community.

CARE recommends that the Government adopt legislation which criminalises the buying of sexual services whilst taking a more compassionate approach to those selling these services. This would recognise the imbalance of choice, power and equality that exits between the bought and the buyer.

It is important to note that this legislative move alone will not end prostitution. It is a complex issue which requires a multi-faceted approach including safe exit strategies and support, education, funding for local projects and awareness raising initiatives. Criminalising the buying of sexual services is, however, a significant part of reducing prostitution and sex trafficking as it directly tackles the demand which cultivates the industry. Until the root causes of sex trafficking and other forms of sexual exploitation through prostitution are sufficiently addressed, attempts to diminish the phenomenon will be limited.