The General Director of CARE, Nola Leach, explained the position of the charity on the issue: "We believe that the existence of prostitution should be challenged whenever possible – it is absolutely exploitative, usually of those who are already vulnerable because of social, economic and personal problems such as drug and alcohol addiction, lack of educational achievement and family breakdown."
She continued by expressing support for the Government paper: "It is difficult to justify an industry that allows such exploitation and violence to continue and therefore CARE welcomes these proposals."
CARE has welcomed many aspects of the Government paper, particular the proposals to make it easier for prostitutes to leave their situation and start afresh with their lives, as well as those for preventing children becoming involved with prostitution.
CARE has also expressed its view, however, that in some respects the proposals are not far reaching enough in addressing the needs of those involved in prostitution.The toleration of so called mini-brothels has been criticised by CARE in particular as serving only to keep problems of sexual violence and abuse concealed behind closed doors and beyond regulation.
CARE has suggested that the government should use charities with experience and resources in tackling prostitution, such as NCAP and Open Door, which can provide their expertise to the public sector bodies responsible for dealing with the problem.
CARE also pointed to the need to tackle the problem of the ‘demand side’ of prostitution in the sex industry. The rising popularity of pornography and lap dancing clubs all contribute to what CARE describes as the ‘normalisation’ of prostitution in Britain.
CARE has also called on the British Government to sign up to a European convention against human trafficking which it claims would reduce the demand for prostitutes in Britain.
Nola Leach continued saying: "The Government must be bold in its approach to tackling the many difficulties that prostitution causes within communities and cities alike.
"Any half-hearted approach towards implementation will only reinforce its grip and therefore there is a great need to ensure that the many agencies, organisations and charities, including the police, that are ready to help are well prepared and resourced.’
