Time for change
For the last ten years Glasgow has taken a proactive stance on prostitution, working tirelessly to support the victims, their families and communities affected by this exploitative trade.
We believe that prostitution is a form of commercial sexual exploitation which disproportionately involves men using vulnerable women, children and, sometimes young men, for their own sexual gratification or financial gain. It is a clear form of violence against women, rooted in gender inequality and abuse of male power.
Our priority over the last 10 years or so has been to provide quality prevention, early intervention and exiting services for victims. However, it is now clear that unless we tackle the demand we will never see a decline in this harmful activity.
Scotland has taken some steps to tackle street prostitution through the Prostitution (Public Places) Scotland Act 2007 - which made buying sex in a public place an offence. However, whilst street prostitution has declined, indoor prostitution continues to flourish as men who buy sex in premises do so without committing an offence. Advertising for sexual services is now at an overwhelming level in newspapers, magazines, on television and through the internet.
We want to follow the example of countries like Sweden, Norway and Iceland who have introduced successful laws targeting the buyer of sex. We believe that by criminalising the purchaser we can dramatically reduce prostitution.
To find out more about how other countries are tackling this issue CLICK HERE.
