New fund to address prostitution as ‘gender-based violence’

Ash Denham

Initiatives aimed at challenging men’s demand for prostitution will also be eligible to apply to the £100,000 fund.

Community safety minister Ash Denham announced plans for the fund in a speech to the Purchasing Power – Men Who Buy Sex conference in Glasgow.

The event, organised by Glasgow City Council, NHS Health Scotland and the Women’s Support Project, looked at the links between commercial sexual exploitation and “other forms of violence against women” – and efforts to tackle this nationally and internationally.

Ms Denham said: “The harsh reality for women engaged in prostitution is that they are at risk of violence and victimisation and their sexual health may be compromised.

“While recorded crimes for prostitution have substantially decreased in the last ten years, the circumstances that may lead to involvement in prostitution remain. In 2020, much of the related harm occurs behind closed doors and is hidden from public view.

“The fund I have announced today will support new and innovative work aimed at addressing those issues through frontline services, as well as initiatives to challenge demand for prostitution.”