WHEN students are struggling to make ends meet they traditionally pull pints in a pub to earn some extra pocket money. Donna Asutaits’s choice of part-time job was much less conventional but far more lucrative. She turned to prostitution while studying for her degree, working as a high-class call girl and earning up to £1,000 […]
A life in writing: Selma James ‘By demanding payment for housework we attack what is terrible about caring in our capitalist society’ The last time Selma James was interviewed by the Guardian was in 1976, by the feminist columnist Jill Tweedie. At that time, James was a household name – in feminist households at least […]
Major sporting events such as World Cups and Olympic Games are often preceded by warnings about a rise in prostitution and sex trafficking as a result of the impending influx of spectators. But will prostitution in London really increase because of the 2012 Olympics?It seems like every time a World Cup or an Olympics appears […]
Sex workers in east London are facing victimisation in more ways than one leading up to the Olympic Games. There is an unholy alliance between, on the one hand, the government-driven police ‘clean-up’ operation and, on the other, often well-meaning victim support groups. The harassment leading up to the games is opposed by, among others, […]
In 2011, a 72 year old woman was charged with “keeping/managing a brothel” (SOA 2003) and money laundering. Despite a woman working in the flat confirming that she was there for her safety, the jury at Luton Crown Court found her guilty on both counts. It came out in court that she was the sole […]
“Buy Sex – Pay the Price,” scream the posters in Brixton Tube. A silhouette of a shady man stands underneath the headline, moodily checking his mobile phone. “Lambeth Council and Lambeth police are targeting those who buy sex,” explains the blurb, helpfully reminding commuters that “Prostitution is a form of violence against women and girls.” […]
Denis Hof, Nevada Bunny Ranch owner, proposes a temporary licence to run a brothel during the Olympics.Niki Adams, English Collective of Prostitutes, comments:“Sex workers don’t need or want licensed or legalised brothels so that bosses have more opportunities to exploit us. We want decriminalisation, like in New Zealand, so we can work together collectively and […]
An increase in police raids over the past 18 months has seen prostitutes moved on.When the oldest profession clashes with the Ancient Games, the women get moved on. Raids on brothels and tough action against street prostitutes in parts of London hosting the Olympics have sparked claims that the streets are being cleared at the […]
See the report of the launch event here Crossroads Women’s Centre 25 Wolsey Mews, Kentish Town, NW5 2DX. 7pm – 9pm Exhibition opens 6pm and will run for two weeks. “Looking in, Looking Out” Photo exhibition by Vera Rodriquez. Using colour, light and perspective to stunning effect this exhibition showcases journalist and photographer, Vera Rodriguez’s images […]
1. The public’s understandable concern for victims of trafficking including young people is being used to promote a moralistic and dangerous crusade against prostitution. The anti-trafficking campaign allied with law enforcement and the religious right claims that all prostitution is rape/sexual exploitation. It has led to proposals to increase arrests of sex workers on the street, advertising on […]
