Ash Denham

Views are also being sought on how to raise awareness and promote positive attitudes among young people in relation to consent and healthy relationships.

Community safety Minister Ash Denham said: “The Scottish government supports measures to help reduce the harms caused by prostitution. Scotland’s ‘Equally Safe’ strategy, co-owned with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, outlines our ambition for everyone to be equally safe and respected – where women and girls live free from all forms of violence and abuse and the attitudes that perpetuate that.

“Men have a critical role in challenging violence, including reducing the demand for prostitution. It is vital that we break down gender norms, stand up to the normalisation of harmful behaviours and work together to achieve greater gender equality in our society – something which will benefit all of us, our families and communities.

“This is an opportunity for everyone with an interest and with insights to help inform future policy decisions about how we address this form of gendered violence, protect the human rights and dignity of women and improve their outcomes.”

Linda Thompson, on behalf of the Encompass Network, said: “We welcome this consultation for the opportunities it gives for discussion and exploration on how Scotland can improve consistent prevention, harm reduction and support for women involved along with clear approaches to support women who want to leave.

“We are pleased to note the framing of the consultation within wider inequalities with links with factors that push women towards this form of violence against women and girls.”