Of course if people have been trafficked then leaving is highly complex. But what about those who are not classed as ‘trafficking victims’? You’d think that if they didn’t want to be part of the sex industry then surely they could just choose to stop working. This is a free country after all.
But it’s not quite that simple.
What happens if you’ve lost your accommodation? Got a criminal record for soliciting? Are struggling with drug problems? Are in an abusive relationship? Have lost the belief that you’re worth more than the life you lead?
What happens if you’ve got to deal with a number of these obstacles?
For many people the factors that contributed to them becoming involved in the sex industry are complex. Getting out of the industry can be even more complicated.
It doesn’t take much to see why people feel they have no option but to continue selling sex acts even when they want out.
At Beyond the Streets...
We’re committed to ensuring that projects achieve the highest possible standard of service delivery in supporting people to exit prostitution.
Working in partnership with 50 local projects around the UK helps us to ensure that knowledge and experience is shared and learnt from whilst our Good Practice Guide and training resources equip projects to respond safely and effectively to the complex needs of those involved in prostitution.
Beyond the Streets facilitates the National Christian Alliance on Prostitution network (http://www.ncapuk.org) and was a founding member of the STOP THE TRAFFIK campaign.
You too can make a difference. Donate today to help bring life beyond the streets.
“I believe after the terrible murders of these beautiful women in Ipswich something really needs to be done. Help the women still out there risking their lives night after night. Help them to be safe. No, there is no miracle to make it all go away, but if people were more willing to listen, to understand, we as a society can make a difference.” - (E, ‘A Reaction to the murder of five women in Ipswich’)
“This course is so helpful. Delivered by women who have lived what they are talking about and are able to offer real life insights and wisdom from their own experience. Also very good in an educational sense; providing understanding of the bigger picture of prostitution in the UK.” - Joan, participant from our Level 2 Volunteer Training course