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Being Outside: CONSTRUCTING A RESPONSE TO STREET PROSTITUTION
Chapter Two: THE GROUP'S APPROACH
2.1 Prostitution, and the consequences which arise from it, raise complex and challenging issues. They also have significant moral and ethical dimensions. These affect several aspects of social policy and the criminal law. Perhaps most importantly, given the scale and persistence of prostitution as a social phenomenon, they challenge us to analyse our own attitudes and aspirations as a society, and examine practical, workable answers to dilemmas which have persisted over centuries and which, if anything, appear to be growing in extent and complexity. Because of this, the Group determined to use its projected three-year life span by dividing the task into parts.
2.2 In the first year of work the focus has been on women involved in street-based prostitution. This prioritisation derives from a sense that this aspect of prostitution is probably the one which is most visible, which may challenge the well-being and safety of communities most seriously, and which raises the most severe questions with regard to the safety and welfare of those people who engage in prostitution. In year two of the Group's work it is intended to focus on issues relating to prostitution which takes place indoors, such as sauna based activities or those who engage in prostitution and work from flats or brothels. Here the issues may be different from street prostitution, but there are clear concerns to be examined regarding exploitation of women and connections to organised criminal interests. Finally, the Group intends to address any remaining issues such as trafficking and issues relating to men who sell sex. Clearly this document is the first report of continuing work in progress - in that it constitutes one part only of the Group's full remit. Initial proposals are made to address more appropriately and effectively the phenomenon of street-based prostitution. These can be considered in their own right, but may also be subject to amplification and possible further refinement as the work of the Group progresses.
2.3 The methodology in year one has included the following main activities:
- Visits to the four largest Scottish cities, Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow, where the prevalence of street prostitution is most evident. During these visits, meetings were held with representatives of local authorities, police, health authorities, voluntary agencies and local communities who have experience and interest in addressing issues relating to prostitution. Where possible, group members met with women currently or previously involved in prostitution, to assist understanding of their perspective on how this came about, what their own experience of prostitution has been and how effective steps could be taken to move on from prostitution. In addition 'on site' observation took place of the ways in which street based prostitution is conducted in the cities, and visits were made to those services which are actively involved in tackling prostitution and its consequences.
- Field visits were made to major comparable cities in the UK to examine experience and ideas relevant to the work of the Group.
- The Group visited HM Prison and YOI Cornton Vale, and met with staff and with prisoners with experience of prostitution. This helped considerably in the analysis of the origins and persistence of prostitution and what strategies might be adopted to tackle its effects, with particular attention to sentencing and the consequences of involvement in the criminal justice system
- An extensive search of relevant research and policy literature was made; Group members attended a number of conferences relating to policy and practice in working with prostitution; and meetings were held with academics and researchers with an interest and experience in this field.
- Sub-division of the Group took place to facilitate investigation of particular aspects relevant to street based prostitution including health needs and services, housing and accommodation needs and the role of drug misuse and how this might be tackled.
- Meetings were held and visits took place to examine other European approaches - particularly those in Sweden and The Netherlands.
- Research was commissioned from the University of Glasgow to analyse the women's own experience and perspective on how their involvement in prostitution developed and what might help them to progress out of prostitution.
- The work of the Group paralleled in time and topic a review being conducted by the Home Office of prostitution in England and Wales. While it has been important to keep clarity about the differences north and south of the border, the sharing of information and ideas between the two reviews has been helpful.
- In addition there is reflected in the composition of the Expert Group considerable knowledge and experience within this field from a range of professional perspectives, and this formed a firm foundation for the work.
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