Ann Fehilly refutes claims from Glasgow prostitutes that existing services put them at risk and says personal information is not shared with police
Community Safety Glasgow (CSG) is dismayed by the misrepresentation of our services in the article ‘New charity for prostitutes in Glasgow’ (TFN, Nov 17). We believe many of the claims in the article to be inaccurate and potentially dangerous.
Given the levels of violence experienced by women, especially those involved in street prostitution, our key aim is to support victims (survivors) of gender based violence and it is unquestionable that the needs of women are central to our approach.
No woman selling sex is compelled to work with our teams and access to harm reduction support such as safety planning, condoms, information about "ugly mugs", practical and emotional support is not dependent on a commitment to exit prostitution. But neither do we shy away from exploring alternatives with women.
Women accessing services can be assured of a confidential and non-judgemental response from experienced staff
Ann Fehilly
While CSG is a partnership between Glasgow City Council and Police Scotland, the way our services are delivered is not directed by a "police led strategy". Our frontline staff have never witnessed the "aggressive implementation" of laws by Police Scotland against those selling sex, nor have we ever pushed for women to be prosecuted as a form of help, as claimed in the article.
Criminal convictions clearly act as a significant barrier to exiting prostitution, which is why we support legislation which does not criminalise those who sell sex but rather focuses on those who are responsible for the harm and violence we witness – the buyers.
Women may have had mixed experiences with Police Scotland, but significant steps have been taken by them to foster a culture of concern and care, encouraging women to contact them for assistance and to report crimes committed against them. Through a small team of police officers, trusting relationships with women have been developed, which has resulted in women directly approaching the officers to report buyers assessed as dangerous. Along with other partners, Police Scotland has conducted safety and welfare visits to premises associated with prostitution across the city with no women charged with prostitution-related offences as a result.
Women accessing services can be assured of a confidential and non-judgemental response from experienced staff. Personal information is not shared with Police Scotland unless there are significant concerns for an individual’s safety or the safety of others. This is similar to confidentiality policies at other organisations. On a daily basis we support and advocate on behalf of women on a wide range of issues including safety, welfare, child raising, single parenthood, sexual and reproductive health, HIV, exploitation, mental health and actual violence.
Throughout the 26 years of Glasgow’s partnership approach to supporting women involved in prostitution, we have repeatedly consulted with service users on how those services should be delivered.
In response women have told us how much they welcome the support provided, one even saying: “If it wasn’t for Routes Out I don’t know where I would be. I think I would be dead now.” Our services are literally a lifeline for many and our commitment to those we support should not be in any doubt.”
Ann Fehilly is head of strategic services at Community Safety Glasgow
