Jacqui Smith write exclusively for labour.org.uk on tackling demand for prostitution.

Today I am publishing the findings of the Government’s six month review into tackling demand for prostitution outlining tough new measures to crack down on sex buyers and kerb crawlers as well as giving police new powers to close down brothels.

I want to do everything I can to protect vulnerable women. That is why I am determined to shift the focus onto the sex buyer, the person responsible for creating the demand for prostitution markets which in turn creates demand for the vile trade of women to be trafficked for sexual exploitation.

I am outlining measures to protect women who have been groomed or trafficked into prostitution or for those who remain involved for fear of violence from a partner or pimp.  There will be a new criminal offence of paying for sex with someone who is trafficked or pimped so that even if a punter claims he did not know the woman was being controlled for gain they will still be liable for prosecution.  

I want to send a clear message to force men to think twice before sex and make it clear that if they pay for sex with someone who has been controlled or exploited, they face a criminal record and a hefty fine.

At the moment, only persistent kerb-crawling is outlawed. In my book, once around the block is once too many - and so I’m making kerb-crawling punishable as a first offence. I want to see more naming and shaming of persistent kerb crawlers and deter them from doing it.
I am also giving police new powers to close premises associated with prostitution - allowing police to close brothels. At the moment, police can only close premises associated with prostitution if anti-social behaviour or Class A drugs are involved.
There are an estimated 80,000 women in this country involved in prostitution in this country, many of them subject to coercion, control and exploitation.  These measures are aimed at protecting these vulnerable women from abuse.