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Living and working in areas of street sex work
This study examines how residential areas characterised as being used by female street sex workers are shared by different sections of the community. In light of debates about managing 'the street scene', researchers from Staffordshire, Loughborough and Strathclyde Universities considered whether residential streets could serve as shared spaces where residents and sex workers could coexist.
Title: Living and working in areas of street sex work
Authors: Jane Pitcher, Rosie Campbell, Phil Hubbard, Maggie O'Neill and Jane Scoular
Series: Joseph Rowntree Foundation Findings
Number of pages: 4
Date published: May 2006
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Summary
For many residents across the five areas studied, street sex work did not affect their overall quality of life. Concerns centred on the visibility of sex workers and associated nuisance. Street sex working also impinged negatively on some residents' use of public space, and some associated it with drugs and crime.
Community views and responses to street sex work varied, ranging from sympathy and engaging with the women to action to displace them from local streets.
Attempts by police and local authorities to tackle problems relating to street sex work in some areas through enforcement action, such as Anti-Social Behaviour Orders against sex workers, had caused difficulties. The women were sometimes prevented from accessing vital services, or were forced to operate in unsafe areas, thus displacing the issue and increasing their vulnerability. Regeneration initiatives which moved street sex workers out of their normal areas could also have similar consequences.
Many residents and sex workers supported the concept of 'tolerance zones' or designated spaces for working. Sex workers' greatest consideration was a safer working environment.
Coexistence appeared greatest where integrated responses to community concerns had been developed with a range of partners, including sex worker support projects, and where alternatives to increased enforcement, such as court diversion schemes, existed.
Overall, the scope for improving relations between residents and street sex workers was considerable, particularly through mediation and awareness-raising.
The authors conclude that an integrated, multi-stakeholder response to street sex work is essential. Involving sex workers in local governance can help to ensure consideration of their needs when addressing community conflicts and managing the street scene.
Getting a copy
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Last update: 31 May 2006