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The tragic murders of five young16 women in Ipswich caused an
unprecedented outcry. Each of us deserves to be safe regardless
of gender, occupation, sexual preference, race, age,
nationality, immigration status or lifestyle.
●
Prostitution is a
survival strategy to deal with poverty, debt, rape, low wages,
homelessness, unemployment... Most sex workers are mothers or
young people; often they are both. Many have been in care or
have had their children taken from them.
● Criminalising consenting
sex targeting sex workers, clients or both pushes
prostitution underground. It deters women from reporting
violence & exploitation. Fines & ASBOs force women into
isolated, less well lit areas.
● When prostitute women
are not safe, no woman is safe. Serial rapists & killers often
have a history of attacks on partners & prostitutes. (The
conviction rate for reported rape is a shocking 5.7%. Over 200
women are murdered each year.)
●
Raids on premises increase street prostitution which is 10 times
more dangerous.
● Criminal records prevent
sex workers from getting other jobs.
● "Rehabilitation" for
drugs or anything else doesnt work if it is compulsory.
● New Zealand has
successfully decriminalised prostitution, improving health &
safety. |
WE DEMAND:
1. The decriminalisation of prostitution. Sex workers must
have the same rights and protection as other workers.
2. An end to Community Rehabilitation Orders, Acceptable
Behaviour Contracts and Anti Social Behaviour Orders which
reintroduce prison for street offences through the back door.
3. The enforcement of laws against domestic violence, rape
and other violence against women and children must be a
priority.
4. An end to the use of anti-trafficking legislation to
deport immigrant sex workers. Trafficked women must have the
right to stay so they can report violence.
5. Viable economic alternatives to prostitution. Voluntary
drug services, affordable housing, benefits, training, pay
equity.
NAME
ON BEHALF OF
EMAIL
TELEPHONE
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Return to:
ecp@allwomencount.net
Crossroads Womens Centre
230A Kentish Town Rd, London NW5 2AB |
The Safety First Coalition co-ordinated
by the English Collective of Prostitutes includes
anti-poverty campaigners, church people & residents from Ipswich
& elsewhere, the Royal College of Nursing, the National
Association of Probation Officers, members of the medical &
legal professions, prison reformers, sex worker & drugs
rehabilitation projects. Tel: 020 7482 2496 |