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Our comments on the ACPO Strategy

Posted by Beyond The Streets on 03/11/2011 at 10:58 AM



Yesterday ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) released their new strategy for dealing with prostitution and sexual exploitation.  The purpose of this strategy is to:


- Protect Individuals and Communities from risk, threat and harm
- Investigate and disrupt organised criminal activity
- Support or create effective partnerships
- Undertake or support research
- Support national policymakers.


This strategy recognises that those in prostitution who experience abuse and exploitation needs help and support to access health, welfare and exit services, in order to leave it behind and start a new life;  and that communities as well as individuals can be victimised and need help also. Consequently it promotes a holistic approach to the policing of prostitution “that keeps in balance the three essential elements of individual, community, and the investigation and prosecution of those who exploit and abuse”.


Simon Byrne, the ACPO lead for prostitution and sexual exploitation, writes: “There is no perfect solution to dealing with prostitution and sexual exploitation, my ethos is to use evidence based approaches that consider risk, threat and harm to all.”


We agree with Simon Byrne that there isn’t a perfect solution. Prostitution and sexual exploitation are complicated issues and there is no ‘one size fits all’ response. Behind each scenario are unique lives and stories, and what is important is to continuing striving towards protecting the vulnerable.


There is a danger that some of the comments made will lead to fresh calls for wholesale decriminalisation under the guise of greater rights for ‘sex workers’. As has been recognised there aren’t simple solutions, but what is essential is that we protect the rights of those that are being exploited and ensure effective routes out are available. The previous government claimed that developing routes out was a priority yet little resources were made available to make this happen. We hope that the current government will not only look at how the law should be enforced, but ensure resources are also made available to the many projects working with women in prostitution.


If you would like to read this article than please click here.


If you would like to read Simon Byrne’s blog than please click here.


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