Prostitution and trafficking have become hot topics over recent years yet all too easily the human connection is lost and stereotypes reverted to.
Branded ‘prostitute’, the person behind the label becomes invisible – their hopes, their dreams, their struggles, their sorrows are overlooked as society pronounces judgement on them, their lives and the decisions they’ve made.
‘Irresponsible’, ‘drug dependent’, ‘liberated’, ‘morally lax’, ‘sex-obsessed’.
It is easy to think we know a person’s story when we’ve never actually taken the time to listen to them.
It’s not surprising then that, having lost sight of our shared humanity, we falter in our efforts to eliminate exploitation, remove stigma and equalise social participation.
At Beyond the Streets...
We’re committed to ensuring that the voices of those affected by prostitution are heard – at the individual level, the societal level and the legislative level.
Working alongside those who have been exploited we seek to connect with key decision makers such as Government Ministers, MPs, and Peers to ensure that the needs of those being exploited are adequately represented and to respond to policy proposals.
You too can make a difference. Donate today to help bring life beyond the streets.
‘I was shocked to have my experience whilst in prostitution valued, understood and accepted. I was asked to speak at one of their conferences and it was a launch pad for me, it gave me courage to stand up and speak of my experiences. It has opened doors of opportunity I had never dreamed of.’ - (Survivor of prostitution)
Stereotypes
I am afraid to have to admit
that the public have the view
us working girls in Hillfields
do whatever we’re asked to do.
Police and press portray
‘our kind’ as druggies, half dead and diseased
maybe just one or two are that
but that’s all they’ll let you see.
An easy life we choose to live
That is what they say.
If that’s true then you should try,
I bet you couldn’t hack one day.
Don’t pass judgement on the unknown;
desperation drives us to what we do;
we see no choice, no escape from this,
it could so easily be you! - Anna