Safer Sex in the City The Experience and Management of Street Prostitution

Thoroughout history prostitution has always been present and has usually been a source of fierce debate. Societies have either grudgingly tolerated it or tried (always unsuccessfully) to ban it. But with the emergence of much more overt acceptance of all forms of sexual activity, it has become more apparent that sex workers who ply their trade on the streets of our cities are a particularly vulnerable group. Awareness of this has led to an increase in research and policy discussions focused on the sex industry, particularly on issues concerning the safety of sex workers and the recognition that street prostitutes are particularly vulnerable to violent attacks and assaults. Realising that such violence is unacceptable in a civilised society and is often the breeding ground for assaults against those who are not in the sex industry, this volume provides a basis for understanding and considering the options available for managing this violence. In this book, current research and policies are reviewed by leading authorities from many different countries- academics and practitioners - from the fields of law, criminology, sociology and investigative psychology. The book will therefore be of value to researchers, practitioners and policy makers who want to understand the experience of street sex workers and the strategies available for managing this trade and for helping to reduce the violence against the men and women who conduct it