The Royal College of Nursing are calling for more protection for sex workers. Credit: Andreas Rentz / Getty
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The Royal College of Nursing voted for legal change to prostitution laws at their annual conference.
They want to make it easier for sex workers to get help.
The organisation claims the current law discourages sex workers from getting support from the NHS.
Sex workers are currently put off reporting attacks due to fears of prosecution.
There are an estimated 70 000 sex workers in the UK today. 9 out 10 of those are women.
Louise Cahill, a clinical nurse, specialising in sexual health, said the current law “forces them into riskier situations.”
“Sex workers have to choose between keeping safe and getting arrested. No one should be put in danger by the law.”
The stigma attached to prostitution means vulnerable groups are less likely to attend screenings, have routine vaccinations or get treatment when needed.
Sex Workers marching to put pressure on the government to legalise prostitution. Credit: Getty Images
Following in New Zealand’s footsteps
Niki Adams, a spokeswoman for the English Collective of Prostitutes, claims the UK should emulate New Zealand. The country decriminalised prostitution in 2003.
“Criminalisation drives people underground” she said.
“We hear of cases where women have been attacked or raped – they report it to the police and then get prosecuted themselves.”
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HeadlineNurses vote to decriminalise sex workers
Short HeadlineNurses vote to decriminalise prostitution
StandfirstThe Royal College of Nursing will lobby the government to better protect prostitutes
The Royal College of Nursing voted for legal change to prostitution laws at their annual conference.
They want to make it easier for sex workers to get help.
The organisation claims the current law discourages sex workers from getting support from the NHS.
Sex workers are currently put off reporting attacks due to fears of prosecution.
There are an estimated 70 000 sex workers in the UK today. 9 out 10 of those are women.
Louise Cahill, a clinical nurse, specialising in sexual health, said the current law “forces them into riskier situations.”
“Sex workers have to choose between keeping safe and getting arrested. No one should be put in danger by the law.”
The stigma attached to prostitution means vulnerable groups are less likely to attend screenings, have routine vaccinations or get treatment when needed.
Sex Workers marching to put pressure on the government to legalise prostitution. Credit: Getty Images
Following in New Zealand’s footsteps
Niki Adams, a spokeswoman for the English Collective of Prostitutes, claims the UK should emulate New Zealand. The country decriminalised prostitution in 2003.
“Criminalisation drives people underground” she said.
“We hear of cases where women have been attacked or raped – they report it to the police and then get prosecuted themselves.”
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