Criminalisation, often promoted by those who call themselves feminists, undermines sex workers’ safety and rights
In this time of economic hardship, where women have been hit disproportionately hard, the coalition government has stepped up its efforts to criminalise as many prostitutes as possible. The English Collective of Prostitutes shows how criminalisation, often promoted by those who call themselves feminists, undermines sex workers’ safety and rights.
Last month, on the anniversary of the tragic murders of
five young women in Ipswich and three women in Bradford, the Association
of Chief Police Officers announced that the prostitution laws are not
‘fit for purpose’ and that New Zealand type decriminalisation should be
considered. New
Zealand successfully decriminalised prostitution
both indoors and on the street eight years ago. There has been no
increase in prostitution since and sex workers find it safer.
During the passage of the Act, attention was primarily
focused on measures criminalising clients. The impact on sex workers
remained hidden. Police powers to arrest women deemed to be loitering or
soliciting have been reinforced, and sex workers are now coerced into
"rehabilitation". It is also easier for the police and courts to close
brothels (where two or more women can work together more safely than on
the street), and to seize women's assets and savings. “I didn’t plan on becoming a prostitute. I suffered an abusive and violent childhood which left me terrorised and with a stammer. Like most domestic violence victims, we had no help to escape. I became a single mother at 23. I worked so hard to make a life for myself and my son. I trained to be a computer programmer. It was very hard work but it paid off. I got a good job, bought my house and was able to give my son a good life. Then I got sick. I lost my sight from diabetes and developed a brain tumour. With the help of a friend, I rented a flat to work as a prostitute so I could pay my debts. After a short time I was viciously attacked. I was raped repeatedly, tied up, held hostage and nearly strangled. I never worked alone again. For safety I worked with friends. We kept our own money but jointly paid the rent, bills and advertising. In 2010, I was raided by the police. Since the Proceeds of Crime Act, which allows police and prosecutors to seize and keep women’s money and goods, more women like me are being prosecuted and convicted. It is legalised pimping. I now face a seven year prison sentence for brothel-keeping. I never forced or controlled anyone. I always did my best to protect myself and other women from attack. I raised my child on the money I earned. Now I need that money to pay for specialised health care. If I get a criminal record for prostitution, how will I survive? Who will employ me once I have a record for a so-called sex offence? With the English of Collective of Prostitutes, we are demanding that my prosecution be stopped. Why are the police and CPS criminalizing women like me when they do nothing to stop rapists and other violent men? We have a right to work together in safety. What crime are we committing?”
The audience erupted in applause, moved and outraged by
what they had heard. In introducing Sheila Farmer, Niki Adams from the
English Collective of Prostitutes said: “SlutWalk is a push back against
the moral crusade we have faced, including from some feminists who claim
that all prostitution is violence against women and that all immigrant
sex workers are trafficked. As a result, police raids have increased and
more women are being jailed and deported. Whether on the street or in
premises, we are being driven further underground and into more danger.”
Over a thousand people have objected to the prosecution
of Sheila
Farmer. She is due back in court on 3 January. If you want
to support her and stop the criminalisation of sex workers, write to
Keir Starmer, Director of Public Prosecutions and ask for the
prosecution to be dropped
privateoffice@cps.gsi.gov.uk. |