Prostitution - challenging and deterring men's demand: strategic approach

Support Pathway

‘It’s like you have to tell your story over and over again. So you’re working with one service and then you’re getting directed to another, and then sometimes information isn’t getting passed on, you’re having to go through everything again. And that’s not down to, well, it is down to the services, it should be working alongside each other, you know. (Lived Experience research) 2022)

The lived experience research highlighted the need for a more consistent approach to the accessing support for those with experience of selling/exchanging sex. The need for a more co-ordinated approach was demonstrated by the research finding that on average its participants had seven different support needs. In addition, the Encompass Network’s snapshot surveys also highlight the range of support that may be accessed and need to take an intersectional approach, recognising the overlaps with broader aspects of VAWG, such as domestic abuse.

We will work with stakeholders to better co-ordinate support through the development of a new national support pathway (as outlined below). This will build on current support and existing good practice, identifying opportunities to improve access to support.

Graphic text below:

Outline of the future support pathway for those with experience of prostitution

Multi-agency group on CSE

• To inform the delivery and evaluation of the Strategy and wider CSE policy areas.
• The group will provide an annual update to the Minister

National Hub for Specialist Services

• To support the Strategy’s delivery and share information and expertise, bringing together specialist services.
• This group will serve as a practical resource for day-to-day support amongst services required.
• Coordinated by a co-ordinator and reports into the multi-agency group on CSE.

Supported by a Service Delivery Agreement based on the Strategy’s policy principles

• Setting out the expectations on how both specialist and mainstream services work together.
• Recognise the role of Local Authorities through Equally Safe.

Clear points of contact within each of the mainstream services and wider public sector agencies.

• Agencies that the specialist services will interact with, on a local basis, piloting across 3 local phases. For example: social work, housing, health, welfare and justice.
• Leads from these agencies will form a link with the National Hub to ensure timely support in terms of immediate crisis support through to longer-term needs, such as exiting support.
• This will strengthen links with specialist services.