National hub will offer joined-up
services.
A national hub is to be created to support women out of
prostitution.
A pilot of the hub will begin in summer followed by a phased
national roll out. The hub will bring together specialist
services which support women affected by commercial sexual
exploitation (CSE) – linking them more closely with local
mainstream services, such as housing, health and social security.
The national hub is part of a new strategy to support women to
safely exit from prostitution and challenge men’s demand for
prostitution. The strategy also includes actions to tackle stigma
for those with experience of prostitution and challenge the
normalisation of men purchasing sex.
Victims and Community Safety Minister said:
“Prostitution is recognised as a form of violence against women
and girls, and is exploitation. By linking mainstream and
specialist services, we will make it easier for women to access
the support they need so they can sustainably exit from
prostitution.
“A key part of our new strategy is the need to tackle the drivers
of commercial sexual exploitation, including social and economic
inequalities and the need for collective leadership from
government, the third sector and beyond to tackle these. A new
multi-agency group on commercial sexual exploitation will be
established in March to help progress this work.
Linda Thompson, national co-ordinator of the Women’s Support
Project (WSP), said:
“The WSP is pleased to see the Scottish Government reiterate that
commercial sexual exploitation in all forms is violence against
women and that those exploited must have robust comprehensive
support and exiting services across the country.
We hope that national and local leadership, with commitment,
partnerships and specific resources, will disrupt this industry
and hold to account all those who benefit and profit from the
exploitation of inequality and vulnerability.”
Background
The hub will be rolled out in a phased approach across the
following areas.
- Edinburgh and Borders
- Highland, Perth & Kinross, Aberdeen and Dundee
- Glasgow and Ayrshire
Following this roll out, the Hub will provide a network of
support where organisations across Scotland can seek advice.
The new strategy has been
informed by a range of partners, including those with experience
of prostitution.
Information on support for
those affected by commercial sexual exploitation
