News / Crime
One third of sex workers helped off streets
The number of street sex workers in Bristol is falling, according to a charity which says it has hit an all-time high getting women’s lives back on track.
One25, based in St Paul’s, says over a third (59 out of 147) of all women involved in sex work on Bristol’s streets broke free from prostitution last year.
The charity’s Impact Report also shows that 23 out of 24 women at risk of entering street sex work were prevented from doing so during the same period.
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The results show the total number of street sex workers in Bristol has dropped from 360 when the charity opened in 1995 to the current estimate of fewer than 150 women, with only 46 working regularly (more than six times a year).
One25 runs a drop-in centre and regular outreach services from their van.
Former sex worker Sandra said: “I can’t even put into words how much the One25 van means to me. The horror of endless dark nights out there where I was raped and beaten. To have One25 coming out and showing me kindness was an absolute lifesaver.
“One night on the streets I was raped and he did whatever he wanted to me: it was torture.
“After that it really was suicide or accepting help to change my life. My One25 caseworker turned up at my squat to take me to rehab and I was absolutely broken. helpe
“Now my life has changed beyond all recognition. I used to think I had nothing to offer. Now I’m loving life.”
The Government are considering changing laws relating to prostitution. Prostitution is currently not against the law but brothel-keeping, kerb-crawling and soliciting sex in a public place, are.
One25’s report also added that 80 per cent of the women they helped last year were homeless, 92 per cent were malnourished and 99 per cent were addicted to drugs and/or alcohol.
Gill Nowland, One25 CEO who received an MBE for her work last year, added: “One25 exists to help women break free from the streets and live a life that we all might take for granted: a safe roof over their heads, reunion with safe members of their family, a chance to explore their potential.
“Twenty-one years ago we didn’t have the capacity to meet the needs of the women in the way we are able to today. We hope to continue offering routes out to women who find themselves trapped in street sex work and keep supporting those at-risk.”
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