Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) 2002 gives courts the power to freeze bank accounts and seize savings and assets of people convicted for prostitution offences. The burden of proof is reversed so people have to prove that any money they have was not earned through “criminal activity”. Police and the Crown Prosecution Service keep a proportion (18% respectively) of any money and assets seized. Prosecutions for brothel-keeping and other prostitution charges have risen since POCA indicating that police profiteering is fuelling raids and arrests.
Stop the criminalisation of sex workers. Oppose the Policing and Crime Bill Dear Friends, Clauses in the Policing and Crime Bill are due to be debated at the end of October. We’ll keep you informed as we find out details. Many of you have written before, expressing your opposition. Politicians claim to be targeting ‘demand’ i.e. […]
We urge you to oppose Clauses 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, & 25. The measures target anyone involved in prostitution whether or not there is force or coercion. They would drive prostitution further underground and sex workers into even more danger. CLAUSE 13: “Paying for sexual services of a prostitute controlled for gain.” 1. Any sex worker who […]
On 18 December, three police officers from Charing Cross Clubs and Vice Unit visited a flat in Romilly Street, Soho, London and issued a written notice against Ms Tracey Ramsey* who works as a receptionist there, that they intend charging her with “controlling prostitution for gain”. Soho has been one of the safest places for […]
In 2005, a Brazilian mother was convicted of trafficking and imprisoned for three years for running a working flat where other immigrant women worked. In court the judge said “none of these women were, in fact, coerced by you into acting as a prostitute . . . you treated them in a kindly and hospitable […]