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ADDRESSING PROSTITUTION AND EXPLOITATION THROUGH IMPROVED STRATEGY AND TRANSFORMED ATTITUDE STRATEtude has a vision of a society that recognises and responds to the sexual exploitation of prostitution and the sex ‘industry’. Where young women and women, at risk of, involved in or exited from exploitation, receive the highest quality of support to increase their opportunities, rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. MISSION STRATEtude seeks to improve policy and practice relating to work with women and young women exploited through prostitution, the sex ‘industry’ and gender based violence through tailored support, training, policy development and individual projects delivered via partnership working to enable sustainable exit and increased quality of life.

“It’s not a job like any other job, anyone who thinks that has never been out there. There are emotional and physical scars that stay with you for the rest of your life.” - Leanne

“I feel so blessed that I’m where I am today. I never thought I would be away from that lifestyle and to be free of that, to be free from the drugs, to be free from the prostitution, you know? Every woman should get the chance to get away from all that and have a life, a life they never even thought possible.” - Gemma

Launched in April 2013, STRATEtude is delivering a Programme dedicated to tackling prostitution strategically with a range of partners. Working with Government, Local Authorities and the Police & Voluntary Sector provides the opportunity to influence, educate and inform organisational policy, that can then be translated into more effective strategies and operational practice, benefitting some of the most vulnerable women in London. This Programme is contributing to the development of a joined-up Pan-London response to prostitution that will strengthen both specialist and mainstream provision, while maintaining the unique needs and specialisms of each individual borough. AIMS • Prostitution addressed under a Violence Against Women & Girls (VAWG) framework. • Increased Good Practice across London Boroughs through improved Knowledge, Strategy, Policy, Service Provision and Training • Improved Policy, Approach and Support within the Criminal Justice System. • Increased Prevention Work for Young Women targeted for exploitation • Improved Awareness at a National & Local Political level for MP’s, Peers & Councilors • Opportunity for Exited Women’s ‘VOICES’ to influence Policy, Strategy and Service Provision Working together we can make a significant difference for women experiencing, or at risk of horrendous levels of violence and social exclusion. With the right support, women can move away from violence, addiction and exploitation to reach their potential and participate fully in community life. MAKING A DIFFERENCE “Diane Martin has been part of a specialist task group at Scotland Yard to develop online resources for addressing prostitution which will be accessed by all police officers in London. She has also written the first Pan London policy on prostitution which sets out the MET’s approach to prostitution.

Diane has added a new dimension to the development of policy in an extremely focussed and professional manner. Without her valued communication and organisational skills we would not have been able to produce such effective policy and processes and I believe her continued contribution will be essential” Scotland Yard Trafficking Unit, SC&07 “We are extremely grateful for the interviews you carried out. Without these the report would not include the experiences, feelings and opinions of women who have exited prostitution. We cannot thank you enough for the time you have taken to ensure that women's voices were included in the report.” Consultant for ‘Mayor’s Office, Violence Against Women & Girls Report’ “I am so excited to be part of the VOICES group, it’s an opportunity to contribute something positive from my experience that can hopefully help other women to get out of prostitution” Faith

“I believe that together we can make a real difference because we understand what you have to face and what you need in place to get out and stay out” Rachel

“We’ve got to challenge the myths of Pretty Woman and Diary of a Call Girl, we owe it to the women still out there” - Sophie

“Diane came highly recommended to our department by a woman she supported to exit prostitution. To date Diane has attended a number of meetings with key senior colleagues across health and community safety, supporting the development of a pilot project that will support women involved in prostitution in our Borough. Diane has provided support and advice and really helped senior colleagues understand the underlying issues and importance of supporting this vulnerable group. We hope to utilize Diane’s expertise in developing our project, training other providers and raising awareness with councilors. Project Manager, Department of Public Health       

How can STRATEtude Support your work? Are you a Local Authority or Criminal Justice Partner with prostitution issues in your borough? Would you like to be a Boroughs of Focus and benefit from more comprehensive support? Do you need to develop a prostitution strategy or enhance an existing one? Have you thought about prostitution in relation to Violence Against Women & Girls (VAWG)? Would you benefit from a Policy Review? Could you benefit from a needs analysis of services to improve the support you provide for women to exit prostitution?  What staff training needs do you have that would increase awareness, access and outcomes?  Are there other issues you would like to discuss?

Please get in touch. I would love to support your work! Diane Martin CBE Pan London Strategic Development Officer (Prostitution) M: +44(0)7534589007 [email protected]

* Quotations taken from Interviews with exited women, conducted in June/July 2013. * Partner Feedback Quotes - November 2013