Commercial Sexual Exploitation

Exploitation within the sex industry affects some of the most vulnerable in our society. With many people first getting involved at a young age, the violence, drug dependency and chaotic lifestyle make it difficult to exit without support.

For more information please download our Commercial Sexual Exploitation Briefing.

CARE work closely with Beyond the Streets which exists to unite, equip and empower groups working with people involved in prostitution to offer freedom and change. Beyond the Streets has over 45 affiliated projects who work with around 4,000 people caught up in prostitution throughout the UK.

For more information on prostitution please download the CARE briefing on prostitution.

For information download our Tackling demand briefing.

UK Government response

The law on prostitution in the UK has recently changed as part of the Policing and Crime Act 2009. Please see the link below for more information.

In 2009 the Home Office concluded a 6 month review, looking at how to tackle the demand for prostitution. CARE welcomed the review and took part in the process. At the end of 2008 the Home Office announced changes to the law on prostitution, in order to reduce commercial sexual exploitation in the UK.

In 2004 the Government issued a consultation document entitled ‘Paying the Price’ on the issue of dealing with prostitution, to which CARE responded. On Tuesday 17th January 2006 the Government published ‘A Coordinated Prostitution Strategy and a summary of the responses to Paying the Price.’

Trafficking

Many women and children have been trafficked into prostitution – bought, sold and forced into the sex industry.

Prostitution is seen as a strong ‘pull’ factor for the demand of trafficked persons, mostly women and girls.

In particular the desire for cheap sexual labour in brothels and massage parlours has led to a greater demand for trafficked persons.

For more specific information on trafficking please visit the human trafficking web page.