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FACTS PROSTITUTION / TRAFFICKING

It is estimated that 105,000 individuals are involved in prostitution in the UK, working in a cross range of locations in the sex industry; brothels, strip clubs, on the streets, lap dancing clubs, peep shows, saunas, massage parlours and escort agencies. The average age for children who are forced or coerced into prostitution is just 13 years old.

Trafficking is on the increase worldwide. Trafficked persons are victims of crime and violation of their human rights and dignity. Women and children are trafficked into the sex industry every day.

Human Trafficking is Modern Day slavery, a hidden crime that requires intelligence led prevention.

Human Trafficking is the acquisition of people by force, fraud or deception with the aim of exploiting them.

Human trafficking is a worldwide, ever growing criminal activity and one of the most aggressive and inhumane methods of exploitation.

Causes & Barriers

There are many complex social factors that lead into the routes of prostitution and sexual exploitation.  The usual stigma attached to it is the thought ‘it is a choice’, when in fact the majority of the time it has been through no choice in their situations which may often come out of inequality of opportunities for women. Social factors associated with being drawn into prostitution may stem from child sexual abuse, homelessness, dysfunction and violence in the home, care system, poverty, debt to drug use.  These are very often a significant barrier to exiting too. Women being exploited may often feel powerless, guilt and shame, excluded, isolated and trapped.

Effects

The effects of prostitution for those involved should be considered. Many psychologists believe the long-term harm and effects result in PTSD: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This is characterised by anxiety, insomnia, depression, flashbacks, irritability and emotional numbing.

Many women in prostitution develop complex coping mechanisms to avoid or minimise the brokenness and pain they are feeling:

  • Substance misuse, leading onto long term dependence
    and mental health
  • Self-harm
  • Over sleeping insomnia
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Disassociation disorders
  • Eating disorders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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