David Blunkett, Home Secretary

The devastating consequences of prostitution for individuals and communities will be met head on, home secretary David Blunkett said as he opened up a public debate on the difficult and sensitive issue.

Government Response: Home Office

David Blunkett said:"The realities of prostitution - both for those involved and for the wider community - are often brutal. It involves the abuse of children - as many as 70 per cent of women on the streets were coerced into prostitution as young people - and serious exploitation of adults.

"Violence, organised crime and problematic drug use are common features - as many as 90 per cent of those involved in street prostitution have a Class A drug habit.

"There are important tasks ahead of us and there are no easy answers or one single solution. We need to ensure prevention, protection and support, and justice.

"Prevention is key to alleviate the circumstances that make young people vulnerable to coercion into prostitution. Protecting the vulnerable also requires the prosecution of child abusers, traffickers and
exploiters.

"The new offences and tough penalties in the Sexual Offences Act 2003 must be rigorously enforced.

"However, enforcement must also be matched with support for those trapped in prostitution.

"Providing a route out must be the best long-term solution for those involved and for the communities that suffer from the nuisance and criminality associated with it.

"Our ultimate aim is to create safer neighbourhoods as well as better escape routes for those trapped in prostitution.

"Whilst street prostitution is the most obvious cause of danger both to those involved and to the wider community, there is also legitimate concern about the growing trade in selling sexual services in premises licensed for other activity, including massage and also video and film.

"Prostitution must not be concealed behind the facade of legitimate business.

"I am aware that some towns and cities are keen to introduce a managed area as a control measure.

"Managed areas are said to provide greater safety for those involved and to limit the impact on local communities.

"However there is an opposing view, equally forcefully expressed - that such areas are difficult to introduce and maintain and that they lead to degradation and squalor on our streets.

"We have included this issue in the consultation because we need a thorough public debate on the issue and we need strong reassurance on the practical issues before contemplating a move in that direction. And because there is a question as to whether we should leave this to local discretion.

"This paper is for consultation. It is for discussion and debate but it is also intended as a starting point for making progress on this difficult issue.

"Government alone cannot address this - we need communities to help us. That is why we must have a balanced, sensible and rational debate - and that we do so with the intention of joining up approaches to what is undoubtedly a multiplicity of detrimental consequences for those involved or touched by prostitution."

Forum Response: ChildLine

Natasha Finlayson ChildLine director of policy and communications said: "Everyone who cares about improving the life chances of the most vulnerable young people should support the Home Office commitment to tackle commercial sexual exploitation.

"Seventy per cent of those involved in prostitution started out as children and young teenagers, and the paper published today rightly recommends both preventative measures and support and protection for those young people already involved in this destructive way of life.

"Children and young people cannot consent to their own abuse and exploitation, and it must be clearly communicated that those using under 18s for sex are guilty of child abuse.

"It is vital that the focus of the criminal justice system is on adults who abuse and coerce children and young people.

"The shift of approach away from prostitutes to the pimps and users outlined in today's paper, coupled with the measures introduced in the Sexual Offences Act 2003, will hopefully encourage more young people to trust that their abuser will be brought to justice.

"ChildLine also welcomes the recognition of the role played by the Internet in prostitution and child abuse, and is working with the Home Office Task Force on Child Protection on the Internet to find better ways of policing the online world, and educating young people and adults about its dangers.