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The sex industry is complex and diverse. The women we support and journey alongside are dealing with complex life situations and multiple disadvantages. We have observed the huge barriers for women facing sexual exploitation to get the help and support they need. Women may have difficult housing situations, be experiencing domestic abuse, and/or have drug dependency. They may have experienced coercion, violence, or trafficking, with associated levels of trauma and distrust. They may have tried to access support and have not been believed or listened to or have been seen as a ‘problem’ or ‘nuisance’. Often the label ‘prostitute’ or ‘sex worker’ comes with a range of stereotypes and connotations that are barriers to accessing services or finding routes out of sexual exploitation.  

Prostitution is not all about sex. It is often about inequality, lack of opportunities, poverty, abuse of vulnerability and abuse of power. Beyond the Streets is committed to helping professionals, volunteers and interested members of the general public learn more about the complexities of sexual exploitation. We are also available to offer ‘sensitivity reading’ for documents, articles and books, to support organisations and writers to avoid derogatory, offensive or stereotypical language. Please contact us with any requests.