Independent Scotland Escorts

Scotland is on the brink of a significant change in its prostitution laws. A bill proposed by Alba MSP Ash Regan aims to criminalize those who pay for sex and profit from prostitution, adopting the so-called "Nordic Approach."

Regan's bill has garnered substantial cross-party support, increasing its chances of becoming law. She believes this is a crucial step in protecting victims and improving their lives.

Regan advocates for comprehensive care and support for individuals trapped in prostitution, addressing issues like addiction and poverty. She also seeks to expunge previous convictions related to prostitution, allowing victims to rebuild their lives and pursue education or employment.

A pressing concern for Regan is the rising number of women trafficked into Scotland by organized crime gangs. She highlights the alarming tactics used by these gangs, including the "lover boy" method where vulnerable women are lured into relationships and then forced into prostitution.

Police Scotland has been actively combating human trafficking, rescuing victims and prosecuting perpetrators. Regan's work on prostitution has been recognized by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls.

Online platforms have become a significant tool for advertising sex work. A recent study by Police Scotland found over 1,800 online ads offering women for sex in just one day.

Regan argues that normalizing the commodification of human beings is harmful and unacceptable. She believes that by challenging the demand for prostitution, as Sweden did 25 years ago, Scotland can make a real difference in combating this issue.

Regan acknowledges the efforts of previous politicians who attempted to address prostitution laws but were unsuccessful. She hopes that attitudes have evolved, and people are more understanding of the harm caused by this industry.

With strong cross-party support, Regan's bill is poised to make significant progress in Scotland's fight against prostitution. If approved, the new legislation could be implemented early next year.

The recent sentencing of Xiao Min, 38, Qin Huang, 31, and Guolei Huang, 35, for their involvement in sex-for-sale flats in Glasgow and Edinburgh has reignited debate on how to address the demand for paid sex. The trio, jailed for over 20 years collectively, trafficked women from East Asia into brothels across the UK, prompting calls for stricter laws against men who seek to pay for sex.

An investigation revealed that the trafficked women, forced into prostitution, endured "degrading" conditions, a sentiment echoed by Lady Justice Poole at the High Court in Glasgow. She condemned the exploitation, stating: “Brothel keeping and trafficking women for prostitution involves the deliberate degrading of fellow human beings. Prostitution is a dehumanising experience. Women are often deprived of their autonomy and valued merely as sources of profit.”

Louise Davies MBE, director of advocacy and policy at CARE, argues for a shift in Scotland’s approach. She advocates for the introduction of "sex buyer laws" similar to those in France, Sweden, Norway, and Northern Ireland, which target the men who pay for sex. According to Davies, such laws are essential to reduce the demand fueling human trafficking and prostitution: “To disincentivize prostitution and curb sexual exploitation, the courts must punish sex buyers. Men paying for sex with vulnerable women, including trafficked individuals, face no real consequences without the threat of criminal action.”

CARE for Scotland criticizes the Scottish Government for delays in addressing this issue, despite its acknowledgment of prostitution as a form of gender-based violence. The government has recently launched a national hub aimed at supporting women affected by commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) by linking them with local services such as housing, health, and social security. However, CARE claims this is insufficient without legislation targeting sex buyers.

A Scottish Government spokesperson emphasized the government's stance: “Any form of human trafficking and exploitation is unacceptable. Perpetrators must be prosecuted. Prostitution, a form of violence against women and girls, is wholly unacceptable. Our strategy to reduce demand for prostitution includes actions to help women safely exit commercial sexual exploitation. Future legislative considerations, including criminalizing the purchase of sex, will be informed by lessons from the strategy.

Three individuals involved in managing sex-for-sale apartments where trafficked women worked have been sentenced to over 20 years in prison collectively. Xiao Min, 38, Qin Huang, 31, and Guolei Huang, 35, were apprehended during Operation Fasthold, a joint investigation by Police Scotland and the Home Office.

The criminal network exploited women, primarily from East Asia, forcing them into prostitution across Glasgow, Edinburgh, and other UK cities. Sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow, Min received eight and a half years, Qin Huang eight years, and Guolei Huang four years and three months.

Prosecutor Greg Farrell detailed the extensive criminal enterprise that involved arranging, recruiting, and facilitating prostitution, including transporting and harboring the victims. The organization used fake identities to lease flats for brothels, generating substantial financial profits. The court was informed that £200,000 had been spent on advertisements on the Viva Street adult site by a so-called "business agency."

Qin Huang was directly involved in managing the daily operations of the women and properties, as well as organizing online advertisements. Guolei Huang acted as a "minder," while Min played a supervisory role in renting the properties. In February 2020, police discovered a flat in Dennistoun functioning as a brothel, leading to a raid where Guolei Huang and a trafficked woman were found.

Additional brothels were uncovered in Glasgow's Garnethill, Dennistoun, and Port Dundas, and in Edinburgh's Old Town. In May 2021, Qin Huang was found to be operating another premises for sexual exploitation in Townhead, and there was a further flat in Kelvinbridge.

The court heard testimonies from five trafficked women. Some were in debt in China, others were recruited through casinos or had their passports confiscated. The defense highlighted the financial and immigration struggles of the accused. Min had entered the UK illegally and incurred debt, while Qin Huang was a failed asylum seeker on benefits. Guolei Huang had been arrested previously in Liverpool and claimed not to know the co-defendants.

Prosecutors are pursuing Serious Crime Prevention Orders to monitor the trio’s activities post-release. A hearing to finalize these orders is scheduled for next month.

Ministers are being urged to abandon their "extremist" proposals to overhaul prostitution laws after a new poll revealed that the majority of Scots oppose the SNP Government’s stance on decriminalising the selling of sex.

The Government's plan, which would criminalise the buying of sex, follows the Nordic model. This model is already implemented in countries like Sweden, Iceland, Ireland, France, and parts of the US and is being considered for Scotland. However, a YouGov poll conducted for the charity National Ugly Mugs indicates that the majority of Scots are against these proposals.

According to the poll, only 13 percent of Scots support the Nordic model, and only 32 percent believe that paying someone for sex should be illegal, compared to 47 percent who think it should be legalised. Furthermore, 62 percent oppose the Scottish Government’s declaration that “sex work always equals violence against women,” with only 13 percent supporting this notion.

Despite these findings, only 1 percent of adults think overhauling prostitution laws in Scotland should be a priority for the Scottish Government at this time.

Dr. Raven Bowen, chief executive of National Ugly Mugs, stated: “This poll shows that Scots are opposed to the SNP’s extreme plans to criminalise the purchase of sex, which international evidence shows only serves to increase violence against sex workers by eliminating their revenue streams, making them desperate and destitute.

“It is now clear that mainstream Scottish voters side with charities, researchers, and international organisations such as Amnesty International, UN AIDS, and the World Health Organization in calling for a fundamentally different approach to regulating sex work that focuses on supporting sex workers’ rights and safety, and improving their quality of life and life chances.”

The SNP's manifesto commitments include banning pimping websites, which are currently legal and unregulated in Scotland. The poll suggests that 63 percent of Scots would prefer sex workers to advertise themselves online, compared to just 2 percent who think this should be done on the street. It also found that 45 percent of Scots believe two sex workers should be allowed to work together in the same premises, despite the risk of being charged under brothel-keeping legislation.

Dr. Bowen added: “Despite being the UK’s largest sex worker safety charity, supporting more sex workers through our NUMbrella Lane Glasgow hub than any other organisation in Scotland, the SNP has barred National Ugly Mugs from sitting on any Government-backed sex work policy groups.

“We now know that the Scottish public also overwhelmingly rejects this inaccurate and oversimplified notion, which is the basis for the government’s entire sex work policy agenda.”

The Scottish Greens support full decriminalisation and have stated they would vote against any SNP proposals to adopt the Nordic model in Scotland.

Nevertheless, the SNP government remains undeterred. A Government spokesman said: “Prostitution is a form of violence against women and girls and is completely unacceptable. Our recently published strategic approach to challenge men’s demand for prostitution outlines a number of actions to support the recovery and sustainable exit of those involved in prostitution, including the creation of a pilot programme for a new national hub.

“Lessons learned from the piloting of the strategy will help inform any future legislative considerations, including whether to criminalise the purchase of sex.”

SNP MSP Ruth Maguire’s comments reveal a profound misunderstanding of the complexities of sex work. She stated: “I absolutely agree that those involved in prostitution should not be stigmatised and that the conditions driving women into forced labour and survival sex need to be addressed. Women need safe routes out of prostitution.

“However, it is undeniable that the market trading in sexual access to women and girls contributes to those conditions, and any move to further legitimise that trade would only increase the abuse and harm caused. I’m clear that when presented with the reality of the industry, which harms so many, the majority of Scots will agree that it is sex buyers, pimping websites, and traffickers who should be criminalised, not the women they exploit.”

Maguire’s stance fails to acknowledge the overwhelming evidence showing that the Nordic model exacerbates the dangers faced by sex workers. By pushing sex work further underground, the Nordic model makes sex workers more vulnerable to violence and exploitation. Rather than protecting women, this approach isolates them and strips them of their agency. The SNP must reconsider these harmful proposals and instead focus on policies that prioritize the rights, safety, and dignity of sex workers.

Arrrgh. This came up in my time line. Julie Bindel on why Sex Work is Bullshit.  I hadn't heard Julie for several years now, I thought she had disappeared, but no she is going strong on her pet project, the extinction of Sex Work.

Watch at your peril, this is a Trigger Warning.

In the ongoing discourse surrounding sex work legislation, the Green Party stands out for its commitment to progressive policies aimed at safeguarding the rights and well-being of sex workers. Maggie Chapman, the Scottish Greens spokesperson for justice, equality, and human rights, has been a vocal advocate for this cause, shedding light on the dangers inherent in approaches like that advocated by Ash Regan.

Chapman argues that Regan's approach faces opposition from sex worker rights groups, human rights organizations, and even the World Health Organization, and for good reason. Human Rights Watch has highlighted the devastating consequences of such policies, including alarming spikes in murder rates, instances of police abuse, social service exclusion, and sexual violence against sex workers in countries where similar measures were implemented.

At the heart of the matter lies the imperative to minimize the harm, marginalization, and exploitation endured by sex workers daily. Chapman asserts that Regan's approach not only fails to achieve this objective but worsens the plight faced by sex workers.

In response, Chapman and the Green Party advocate for a paradigm shift in how society approaches sex work, emphasizing harm reduction and the protection of sex workers' rights. They propose policies designed to empower and support individuals engaged in sex work, rather than subjecting them to further risks and vulnerabilities.

For those seeking meaningful change in this area, Chapman urges support for parties like the Greens or Liberals, whose platforms align with the principles of human rights, social justice, and the protection of marginalized communities. By voting for such progressive ideologies, individuals can contribute to creating a safer and fairer environment for sex workers and society as a whole.

Of the 585 reports of violence received by the charity (National Ugly Mugs)  in 2023, only 11% felt safe enough with support to make a full report to police and only 45% consented to provide anonymous intelligence.

“We all know that predators target sex workers because they can do so with impunity,” says Bowen. “Sex workers are rarely believed.”

She adds: “On Wednesday, while the police were apologising for their mishandling of Emma’s case, a sex worker was being raided for sharing working premises with others to keep women off the deadly streets at night. Working together from premises is a life-saving strategy but we criminalise this as brothel-keeping. This is part of why we support full decriminalisation.”

Police Scotland apologized for failures in handling the case of murdered sex worker Emma Caldwell and other victims of her killer, Iain Packer, in 2005. Packer, aged 51, was found guilty of Caldwell's murder and 11 charges of rape against nine women, among other offenses. The police acknowledged shortcomings in their investigation. Caldwell, 27, disappeared in Glasgow in April 2005, and her body was found the following month. Packer denied all charges but admitted to indecently assaulting Caldwell. He is expected to be sentenced soon.

Police Scotland has issued an apology to the family of Emma Caldwell, a murdered sex worker, and other victims of her killer, Iain Packer, acknowledging a failure in policing in 2005.

Packer, aged 51, was convicted on Wednesday of the murder of Miss Caldwell, aged 27, who disappeared in Glasgow on April 4, 2005. Her body was discovered the following month in Limefield Woods near Roberton, South Lanarkshire.

In addition to the murder charge, Packer was found guilty of 11 counts of rape involving nine women, among numerous other offenses, following a six-week trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

Packer was initially questioned by police a month after Miss Caldwell’s body was discovered.

Assistant Chief Constable Bex Smith of Police Scotland, in response to the conviction, expressed regret, stating, “Emma Caldwell, her family, and numerous other victims were let down by policing in 2005. For this, we offer our sincere apologies. A considerable number of women and girls, who displayed immense courage in coming forward during that time, also did not receive the justice and support they rightfully deserved from Strathclyde Police.”

Miss Caldwell vanished shortly after confiding in her mother Margaret about her aspirations to overcome a heroin addiction, which had developed following a family tragedy during her early 20s.

Coming from a tightly knit family, Miss Caldwell maintained regular contact with her parents, meeting them twice a week and speaking to them daily. Concern arose when she failed to respond to their attempts to rearrange a planned meeting, leading to her being reported missing.

Miss Caldwell’s body, bearing evidence of strangulation, was discovered by a dog walker in woodland on May 8, 2005.

During Packer’s trial, evidence was presented indicating a 97% match between soil samples collected from the site where Miss Caldwell’s body was found in 2021 and soil from Packer’s blue work van. Packer was subsequently charged by police in February 2022.

While denying all charges and accusing the women of falsehoods, Packer admitted to indecently assaulting Miss Caldwell. He expressed shame over his actions towards her and described his behavior towards other sex workers as "disgusting." However, he denied involvement in Miss Caldwell’s murder, asserting, “It wasn’t me who killed her. It wasn’t me. I didn’t do anything to her.”

Testimony from multiple women detailed Packer’s violent assaults on them.

Prosecutor Richard Goddard KC characterized Packer as a violent and obsessive user of sex workers with an unhealthy addiction to their services.

Packer was found guilty of 33 charges involving 21 women over a span of 26 years. Two charges of sexual assault and one of indecent assault were not proven.

The jury deliberated for four days before delivering their verdict.

Packer is expected to be sentenced later on Wednesday.

Residents of Aberdeen have voiced concerns about the presence of sex workers in their community, particularly in Fraser House, an area increasingly populated by short-term rentals like Airbnbs. During a recent licensing hearing, these concerns were brought up, but unfortunately, lacked substantial evidence to sway council decisions.

Among the accusations were claims of sex workers frequenting the premises, covert surveillance, and even alleged instances of defacement. However, it's important to recognize that sex work is a legitimate profession and should not be stigmatized or sensationalized.

One resident vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that such claims were baseless attacks on her character and property. She emphasized that while some may not appreciate the presence of short-term rentals, spreading false rumors and accusations only perpetuates harm.

Others in the community attempted to investigate these claims, but their efforts were inconclusive. Despite suspicions, there was no concrete evidence to support the accusations of sex work.

Moreover, the timing of the council meeting prevented some concerned residents from attending and presenting their objections. However, those who did attend raised valid concerns about the potential impact on the community, especially vulnerable residents.

While there were testimonies from residents who claimed to have encountered suspicious activities, such as seeing individuals wearing bathrobes and entering the building with different companions, these observations remain subjective and open to interpretation.

In response to allegations, the flat owner emphasized the adherence to booking regulations and the positive contribution her property makes to the local tourism industry. She also highlighted the rigorous screening process for guests and the implementation of strict rules to maintain order.

It's crucial to approach these issues with sensitivity and understanding, recognizing the rights of individuals to engage in consensual work while also addressing any legitimate concerns regarding safety and community well-being. Ultimately, the council's decision to approve the short-term rental license underscores the need for continued dialogue and cooperation among all stakeholders involved.

In a disturbing trend, sex workers using WhatsApp, a messaging platform owned by Meta, have reported sudden and unexplained account bans, leaving them feeling vulnerable and isolated. This article explores the experiences of sex workers like Alice, Reed Thomas-Litman, and Danielle, shedding light on the potential consequences of such bans on their safety, privacy, and professional networks.

The Disappearance of Digital Identities

For Alice, a 34-year-old sex worker, the abrupt disappearance of her six years' worth of messages, contacts, and media on WhatsApp was a distressing experience. The messaging app, known for its encryption features, has been a lifeline for sex workers like her, providing a secure means of communication with clients and a support network for colleagues. However, recent account bans without clear violation notices have left sex workers perplexed and anxious about the future.

Meta's Crackdown on Sexual Content

The ban on sex workers from WhatsApp echoes a broader trend observed across Meta's platforms, including Instagram. Sex workers engaging in online promotion of their services have faced shadowbans and account removals, making it a common occurrence in the industry. Alice, having faced bans on Instagram multiple times, expected a similar fate on WhatsApp. However, the lack of clarity and communication regarding the reasons for the ban has heightened concerns for the affected individuals.

Personal Impact on Sex Workers

Reed Thomas-Litman, a sex influencer and part of the duo Come Curious, expressed the devastation caused by her recent WhatsApp ban. Unlike her numerous Instagram bans, the removal from WhatsApp affected her deeply. Reed, who set up a group chat for sex workers, lost access to crucial support, creating a sense of isolation and upheaval in her life and work. The ban not only impacted her mental well-being but also raised questions about the validity of the ban itself.

Legal Complexities and Consequences

The legal complexities surrounding sex work in the UK further complicate the issue. While sex work is technically legal, certain laws criminalize communication between sex workers, such as group chats. The English Collective of Prostitutes highlights the challenges sex workers face, both legally and socially, and the critical role platforms like WhatsApp play in providing support networks.

WhatsApp's Encryption and Confusion

The use of end-to-end encryption by WhatsApp has left many sex workers puzzled about how their activities are being flagged. While the app claims that only the communicating parties can access the content, Meta's spokesperson revealed that group chat titles and display names are not encrypted. This information, sometimes used to identify illegal activities, raises questions about the level of privacy and security provided by the platform.

Loss of Support Networks and Safety Risks

For sex workers like Danielle, who lost access to her WhatsApp account unexpectedly, the consequences go beyond just lost messages. The platform served as a crucial tool for communication and vetting clients, ensuring a layer of safety in their profession. The removal of this digital lifeline has not only affected her income but also raised concerns about her personal safety.

Challenges to Advocacy and Privacy

When contacted for comment, WhatsApp provided limited information, requesting personal phone numbers of the interviewed sex workers. The refusal to provide this information to protect sources' anonymity further highlights the challenges sex workers face in advocating for their rights and privacy. The reliance on platforms like WhatsApp for emergency helplines adds an additional layer of concern, especially as anti-sex sentiments rise globally.

The Larger Cultural Context

The bans on Meta platforms and the legal landscape surrounding sex work occur in the backdrop of an escalating anti-sex sentiment, exemplified by legislations like the UK's Online Safety Bill and the U.S. FOSTA-SESTA bills. Sex workers find themselves at the center of a culture war, facing potential offline repercussions due to online crackdowns.

Conclusion

The ban on sex workers from WhatsApp, coupled with the broader context of online regulations and societal attitudes, raises serious concerns about privacy, safety, and the ability of sex workers to connect and support each other. The digital lifelines provided by platforms like WhatsApp are essential for their well-being and protection, making it imperative to address the challenges and potential unintended consequences of these bans. As discussions around online safety continue, it is crucial to consider the impact on marginalized communities, such as sex workers, and ensure their rights to privacy and support are not compromised.

The Council of Europe (COE), a prominent organization dedicated to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law on the continent since its establishment in 1949, has consistently advocated for the protection of marginalized groups. Among these, sex workers often face stigma and violence, exacerbated by laws criminalizing the purchase of sex, as highlighted by COE's Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović.

In her recent commentary, Mijatović underscores how the criminalization of purchasing sex, despite the legality of selling sex in some regions like the island of Ireland, contributes to the marginalization of sex workers and heightens their vulnerability to violence. She emphasizes that such legislation effectively criminalizes the working environment of sex workers, encompassing not only clients but also third parties involved in various aspects of the industry, such as brothel-keepers and advertisers.

Contrary to arguments advocating for the criminalization of third parties to reduce demand and combat human trafficking, Mijatović points out that evidence suggests otherwise. Reports indicate that in certain states, commercial sexual services have increased following such criminalization, while anti-trafficking organizations highlight its ineffectiveness in preventing and combating human trafficking. Moreover, it may hinder the identification and protection of trafficking victims among sex workers.

Mijatović advocates for a human rights-based approach to sex work, emphasizing that consensual adult activities should not be criminalized. She asserts that criminalizing clients or third parties diminishes sex workers' access to essential services and rights, pushing them into clandestine and isolated work environments out of fear of legal repercussions. In contrast, decriminalization has shown positive impacts on sex workers' safety, access to social services, and health outcomes, as exemplified by Belgium's recent legislation.

However, Mijatović clarifies that decriminalization does not equate to condoning exploitation, human trafficking, or violence against sex workers. She stresses the necessity of maintaining and reinforcing laws addressing these issues while ensuring sex workers' protection from harm and exploitation.

Additionally, Mijatović raises concerns about the lack of meaningful consultation with sex workers in policymaking processes affecting their lives and work. She asserts that their voices and perspectives are indispensable for the development and implementation of effective and empowering human rights-based policies.

In conclusion, Mijatović calls for greater recognition of sex workers' rights and voices, advocating for policies that prioritize their safety, well-being, and agency. By adopting a human rights-based approach and involving sex workers in decision-making processes, societies can better address the challenges faced by this marginalized community while upholding fundamental principles of justice and dignity for all.

A second attempt to prohibit strip clubs in Edinburgh has been thwarted as councillors voted to allow the city's three existing venues to remain open. However it was voted down by seven votes to two. 

The Labour administration of the council proposed imposing a 'nil cap' on sexual entertainment venues, intending to force their closure due to concerns about their alleged contribution to violence against women. However, the proposal was rejected by a vote of seven to two.

This decision follows nearly two years after a previous vote by councillors to set the maximum number of venues at zero, a move that was legally contested by dancers and incurred substantial costs to taxpayers in legal fees and expenses.

A judge ruled that the council members had received unreliable legal advice regarding the consequences of imposing a nil cap, prompting a rerun of the vote at the regulatory committee meeting on February 5.

Addressing the committee, Alexis, a veteran stripper in Edinburgh representing the Sex Workers Union (SWU), urged the council to base their decision on factual evidence rather than emotional or moralistic considerations. She cautioned against restricting the number of venues to three, warning that such a limitation could create a monopoly, potentially exacerbating exploitation amidst a cost of living crisis.

Asserting the right of women to choose their profession, Alexis emphasized that blaming strippers for misogyny and violence against women is misguided, and argued that depriving them of employment is not a solution to sexism.

Following the council's decision, the SWU celebrated their victory on social media, highlighting their ongoing struggle to prevent the closure of workplaces under a nil cap policy.

The council ultimately voted to maintain the current cap of three venues, with an option for a worker-run club to open. A joint amendment tabled by Lib Dem convener Councillor Neil Ross and the Greens received support from SNP and Conservative councillors, setting the cap at three and designating the city center ward as the only suitable location for granting SEV licenses.

Councillor Ross emphasized the importance of regulating venues to protect women who choose to work in the industry, expressing concerns about the safety risks associated with driving lap dancing underground through a ban.

While some councillors, like Labour's Val Walker, argued in favor of a nil cap citing concerns about the potential for strip clubs to facilitate entry into the sex industry and contribute to violence against women and girls, others, such as SNP councillor Martha Mattos Coelho and Conservative councillor Jo Mowat, emphasized the need to regulate existing premises to ensure the safety of workers and patrons alike

Accused of murdering a sex worker, Iain Packer confessed to police that he had taken her to the area where she was found dead multiple times. Packer, 50, provided a witness statement at Cathcart Police Station in 2007, after previously doing so in 2006. Detective David Barr, now retired, testified at the High Court in Glasgow, where Packer faces 46 charges related to the murder of Emma Caldwell in 2005 and other crimes. Packer denied the charges, claiming innocence and asserting various defenses. He admitted to taking sex workers to Limefield woods for thrill and confessed to knowing Caldwell despite earlier denial. Packer described his encounters with Caldwell and admitted to using sex workers regularly, even taking out loans to support his habit. The trial is ongoing before Lord Beckett.

In a harrowing testimony, a woman has recalled a traumatic ordeal, alleging she was attacked in a van by the suspect linked to the Emma Caldwell murder case, describing the experience as a desperate flight for survival.

Appearing before the High Court in Glasgow, the woman, now in her 40s and a former sex worker, detailed an incident dating back to the early 2000s. She claimed to have been picked up by Iain Packer in Glasgow city center, where she alleges she was subjected to a terrifying assault, including being choked, until a security guard intervened, providing a fleeting opportunity for escape.

However, her attempt to seek assistance from law enforcement was met with indifference, exacerbating the trauma of the encounter. The witness, who was acquainted with Emma Caldwell and described her as "lovely," emphasized her familiarity with Packer, known for driving in the city's red-light district.

During questioning by prosecutor Richard Goddard KC, the woman recounted the distressing details of the assault, highlighting the violence and fear she experienced. Despite her efforts to resist, she claimed Packer continued to exert force, leaving her gasping for air until the intervention of the security guard.

However, her quest for justice was thwarted by what she described as a dismissive response from police officers, reflecting a troubling disregard for the safety and well-being of sex workers in the community at the time.

Defense counsel Ronnie Renucci attempted to cast doubt on the woman's testimony, suggesting mistaken identity regarding Packer's involvement. Yet, the witness remained steadfast in her assertion, maintaining that Packer was indeed the perpetrator of the assault.

The courtroom heard of the woman's interactions with police in subsequent years, notably in 2019, when she revisited the traumatic incident amid renewed interest in the Emma Caldwell case. Her recollections, previously unreported to authorities, resurfaced following engagement with a documentary team investigating Caldwell's murder.

A separate account from a former sex worker, now deceased, further implicated Packer in a separate incident involving the presentation of an imitation firearm and indecent assault, adding weight to the allegations against him.

As the trial unfolds before Judge Lord Beckett, the proceedings shed light on the pervasive dangers faced by vulnerable individuals in society and the imperative of seeking justice for victims of such heinous crimes. Packer continues to deny all charges, as the pursuit of truth and accountability presses on in the courtroom.

In a decisive blow against human trafficking, specialist officers apprehended Florea Sandu, 53, Florian Pietraru, 41, and Teodora Rotaru, 28, during a raid on a flat in Motherwell in April 2021. The arrests were a culmination of a meticulous investigation led by Police Scotland's Human Trafficking Unit.

Facing charges, the trio didn't contest their guilt, admitting their involvement in the illicit activities during a court appearance at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, November 17, 2023. Subsequently, they were handed their sentences on Tuesday, January 9, at the High Court in Kilmarnock.

Florea Sandu received a 30-month prison term, while Florian Pietraru was sentenced to 32 months, and Teodora Rotaru received 30 months behind bars.

The sentencing drew commendation from Police Scotland, with Detective Inspector Craig Faulds expressing satisfaction with the outcome. In a statement, he underscored the force's unwavering commitment to combating serious and organized crime, particularly those profiting from the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

Faulds highlighted the insidious nature of human trafficking, stressing its profound and enduring impact on victims while perpetrators reap the benefits of their exploitative actions. He lauded the collaborative efforts of all involved in the intricate investigation and emphasized the importance of the conviction as a stern warning against such heinous exploitation.

Asserting Police Scotland's dedication to collaboration with partners in tackling human trafficking, Faulds emphasized the agency's steadfast focus on safeguarding at-risk individuals from falling prey to exploitation. The message was clear: human trafficking will not be tolerated, and those involved will face the full force of the law.

In a dramatic turn of events at the High Court in Glasgow, a sex worker has come forward to identify murder accused Iain Packer, 50, as a patron who allegedly wore black, silky women's underwear and treated women roughly. Packer is currently on trial for the 2005 murder of sex worker Emma Caldwell, among 46 charges, including sex crimes, abduction, and assault.

Packer vehemently denies all charges against him, putting forth special defences of incrimination, consent, defence of another, and self-defence. The court recently heard a statement from a sex worker who identified a picture of Packer in 2006, describing him as a stocky man with a Glaswegian accent who would drive around extensively before engaging in business in a small white van, displaying a reluctance to use protection.

The deceased woman, who gave the statement in 2015, accused Packer of being physically rough with her, grabbing her hair during encounters near Gallowgate, a week apart from each other. She detailed two indecent assaults between 1993 and 2004 near Tennent's Brewery in the east end of Glasgow, alleging Packer harbored fantasies involving wearing women's underwear and treating women roughly.

According to her statement, Packer once wore black, silky women's underwear during an encounter, stating, "He was obviously very focused on getting into his fantasies, which was wearing women’s underwear and treating women rough."

Another witness, a single mother who claimed to have been paid £30 for sex by Packer in 1998 or 1999, testified that she initially refused to assist the police due to fear. She later revealed in 2021 that Packer had allegedly raped her, stating she "didn’t consent to that at all" and confessed to lying to the police in 2006 out of fear.

A third woman, aged 44, testified that Packer held a kitchen knife against her chest during a harrowing ordeal in June and July 2006, describing "two weeks of hell." She claimed Packer made it difficult for her to leave and brandished a knife, but ultimately backed off when challenged.

Packer is facing charges of strangling Emma Caldwell with his hands and a cable in 2005, intending to rape her, assaulting her, compressing her wrists, and attempting to defeat the ends of justice by disposing of her body and belongings. The trial, presided over by Judge Lord Beckett, continues with ongoing cross-examinations and testimonies.

Iain Packer, the accused in a murder trial at the High Court in Glasgow, allegedly attempted to strangle a woman and threatened a child who accused him of sexual abuse, according to court testimony.

Packer, aged 50, faces multiple charges, including the murder of Emma Caldwell in 2005 and various sex crimes, abduction, and assault. He denies all charges and has asserted special defences, including incrimination, consent, defense of another, and self-defence.

During the trial, a 48-year-old woman testified anonymously, claiming that Packer sexually abused her between July 1990 and October 1992, starting when she was 14. She accused Packer of attempting rape during their first meeting and repeatedly molesting her afterward. The witness stated feeling vulnerable due to Packer's size compared to her own petite stature. Despite reporting the abuse to her mother, she alleged facing threats and intimidation from Packer and his family.

Another witness, also anonymous, testified that Packer subjected her to physical and sexual violence between 1991 and 1996. She claimed Packer would rape her weekly and described an incident where he attempted to strangle her with a vacuum cleaner cord. This witness also accused Packer of running up debts through spending on prostitutes, gambling, and drugs.

Both witnesses provided statements to the police in 2006 and 2015. Packer's lawyer challenged the credibility of their claims during cross-examination.

Packer is specifically charged with strangling Emma Caldwell and attempting to defeat the ends of justice by disposing of her body and belongings. The trial continues before Judge Lord Beckett.

Police Scotland is set to enlist the support of officers from Romania as part of an initiative aimed at aiding women who have fallen victim to sex trafficking.

The initiative has received backing from the Home Office and the Romanian Embassy in London, which will facilitate the temporary deployment of two Romanian officers for a six-month period, commencing on January 8.

This development follows a significant inquiry into the exploitation of Romanian women in the UK, revealing the operation of a profitable sex-for-hire establishment in Motherwell.

Earlier reports highlighted the incarceration of a group of Romanian individuals involved in this illicit operation, awaiting sentencing in the upcoming year.

In an update provided to the Scottish Police Authority, Police Scotland emphasized, "There is a notable issue of under-reporting regarding the trafficking and sexual exploitation of Romanian females in Scotland, resulting in numerous potentially vulnerable individuals refraining from engaging with law enforcement and other relevant authorities."

Law enforcement officers are optimistic that the temporary placement of Romanian personnel will foster an environment where Romanian nationals feel more at ease approaching authorities to report instances of trafficking.

The agreement to bring these officers to Scotland was solidified subsequent to a visit by Romanian diplomats to the Police Scotland crime campus in Lanarkshire during September.

Recruitment efforts to select the two officers for this mission are currently in progress in Romania.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland further elucidated, stating, "This initiative aims to encourage increased reporting of trafficking cases involving Romanian nationals, offering culturally sensitive information on their rights and addressing exploitation. Our goal is to support survivors in their journey toward recovery and empower them to step forward and report instances of exploitation."

Councillors voted to address the city's existing four venues last year by reducing the number of establishments to zero, but a subsequent court ruling overturned the decision, emphasizing that the Regulatory Committee members who initially made the decision had received erroneous advice.

As we look forward to December, councillors will revisit this matter, we can hope they will consider all available evidence and reach a conclusion consistent with the rights of those working in the clubs..

Some may argue that there's a place in our city for sexual entertainment venues, whether they be strip clubs, lap-dancing establishments, or by any other name. Supporters suggest that these venues offer harmless entertainment, while others claim that sex work is simply another profession. However, it's essential to take a more balanced perspective.

These venues have long been a source of livelihood for some individuals. They provide an opportunity for adults to engage in mutually consensual activities and for performers to earn a living through their artistic talents. By recognizing and regulating these establishments, we can ensure the safety and dignity of those involved.

It's worth noting that many individuals choose to work in this industry voluntarily and take pride in their work. Moreover, the customers who patronize these venues do so willingly, with no harm to anyone involved. In this light, the focus should be on ensuring workers' rights, creating safe working conditions, and implementing fair employment practices rather than stigmatizing the industry as a whole.

While it is crucial to address any potential exploitation and abuse within the industry, a complete ban is not the solution. Instead, we should work towards improving conditions, fostering education, and raising awareness. This approach can help mitigate any negative aspects of the industry while respecting the rights and choices of those involved.

It's essential to move away from the notion that these venues perpetuate violence and hatred against women. Such generalizations oversimplify a complex issue. Many individuals who choose to work in this field do so with full agency and without experiencing any form of exploitation. We should not diminish their choices or demean their work.

Ultimately, we can acknowledge that while private sex clubs may exist, banning lap dancing and other related activities will not eliminate the sex trade entirely. What we can do, however, is work towards a more inclusive and equitable approach that respects the autonomy of individuals in this industry while addressing any issues of exploitation.

Councillor Cammy Day has made a thoughtful decision, and we can hope that more councillors will join in making informed and balanced choices regarding the presence of such establishments in our city.

In the hallowed halls of academia, a disquieting revelation emerges, casting a shadow over the lives of the ambitious scholars. Recent research conducted in the United Kingdom has unveiled a surprising and somewhat distressing phenomenon: a growing number of university students are turning to the world's oldest profession to cope with the financial exigencies of their higher education. The cost of living crisis, coupled with a marked diminishment of real-terms maintenance loans, has plunged the typical student into a fiscal abyss, leaving them grappling with a monthly deficit of approximately £600.

As the financial woes of students escalate, a disconcerting survey commissioned by the venerable Save the Student organization has laid bare the startling truth. A disquieting 3% of students in the UK have resorted to engaging in sex work as a means to support their academic pursuits, with an additional 6% revealing a willingness to tread this unconventional path should dire circumstances demand it.

Regional disparities in this socio-financial predicament emerge from the data. The West Midlands emerges as the epicenter, bearing the ignominious distinction of harboring the highest proportion of student sex workers, at a disheartening 5%. In neighboring East Midlands, while the actual incidence is a relatively modest 2%, a staggering 9% admitted that they would contemplate venturing into this domain when confronting financial scarcity.

Across the sprawling expanse of the North, the allure of sex work to alleviate their financial burdens seems more potent. A striking 8% of students in the North West and Scotland confessed to contemplating this unconventional career choice, joined by 7% in the North East and 6% in Yorkshire.

Among these brave souls venturing into the shadows of the industry is David, whose name we veil to protect his identity. David deftly balances his academic pursuits with the profitable sale of explicit images and videos to online subscribers. This income stream helps defray his monthly student rent, an astronomical burden hovering around £2,000. His sentiments oscillate between repulsion and necessity: "Every time I pull out my phone to create content I almost feel sick of the idea of what I’m doing because it’s kind of disgusting. But on the other hand, the money that it brings in, it’s great. It’s the reason I live where I live, why I eat what I eat. I worked out in my first year I made more than £25,000 pounds. That was more than my teacher at the time."

The imminent prospect of escalating expenses in the upcoming winter season has not gone unnoticed by the charitable organization Student Minds. Their earnest plea resonates across the academic landscape, emphasizing the pressing need for additional support to bolster the financial well-being of beleaguered students. Jenny Smith, Policy Manager at Student Minds, encapsulates their stance succinctly, advocating for compassion and non-stigmatization: "We know there are different reasons why students enter into sex work. What’s important to us is they’re not stigmatized for doing this, or dissuaded from looking for help and support where they may need it. For us, this is a symptom of the cost of living crisis, and we’re worried there are some students participating in this who don’t feel like they have a choice."

In this grim financial mire, Save the Student, an organization dedicated to the financial welfare of students, raises a resounding alarm. They urge the education secretary to augment the Maintenance Loan to keep pace with the relentless march of inflation. Jake Butler, the Chief Operating Officer of Save the Student, candidly articulates the dire straits that confront students: "More students are turning to sex work because of the lack of money there is for living costs. The maintenance loan, which is the money the government gives them to cover their living costs, hasn’t kept up in line with inflation. It was already at a point where it wasn’t high enough. So students are looking for things like credit cards, gambling and sex work. Students are seeing it as a way to make money fast, as a way to get by at the end of each month."

The Department of Education offers reassurances, acknowledging the financial woes of students and professing unwavering support for institutions. They cite an allocation of £276 million in Student Premium and Mental Health funding for the current academic year, along with increases to student loans and grants. Nonetheless, as the tempest of financial hardship continues to loom over the lives of these striving scholars, urgent government intervention appears imperative to mitigate the trend of students resorting to unconventional means for financial survival.

Former candidate for leadership within the Scottish National Party (SNP), Ash Regan, has embarked on an initiative known as the "Unbuyable" campaign, with the primary objective of establishing a legal prohibition on the transactional aspect of sexual services. Regan, a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) and previously a minister responsible for community safety, seeks to curtail the practice of purchasing sexual services throughout Scotland.

At present, Scotland's legal framework criminalizes certain activities linked to prostitution, including "kerb crawling," public solicitation, and the operation of brothels. Nevertheless, the act of selling and buying sexual services remains permissible, including the operation of online platforms facilitating such transactions. Regan's "Unbuyable" campaign, hosted on Unbuyable.org, endeavors to instate fresh legislation that would criminalize the act of purchasing sexual services.

In her statement to The National, Regan elucidated the campaign's broader mission, characterizing it as a "clarion call" aimed at eradicating the systemic exploitation of women and girls in Scotland. The campaign seeks to foster a society where the sanctity of human dignity is inviolable and where women and girls are not subjected to commodification. Regan aspires to transform this vision into a tangible reality with the support of the public.

The Unbuyable website further underscores the campaign's purpose, emphasizing the imperative for society to confront an unsettling verity: that the purchase of sexual services is far from victimless, entailing enduring scars of exploitation. Regan's mission is unequivocal: to bring an end to this practice in Scotland, affirming that human dignity is not a tradable commodity. This mission envisions a Scotland where every individual becomes truly "Unbuyable."

While the Scottish Government's 2021-2022 Programme for Government (PfG) included a commitment to formulate an effective strategy addressing the demand for prostitution among men, this commitment appears to have been omitted from the subsequent two annual programs for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. In 2022, Dr. Jacci Stoyle, the secretary of the Scottish Parliament's Cross-Party Group on Commercial Sexual Exploitation, pointed out that Sweden had, since 1999, enacted legislation criminalizing the purchase of sexual services. This Swedish approach, commonly referred to as the "Nordic Model," has witnessed a noteworthy shift in societal attitudes, with a mere 0.29 percent of men in Sweden reportedly engaging in the purchase of sexual services, in stark contrast to approximately 10 percent of men in the United Kingdom who admit to such behavior.

Several advocacy organizations in Scotland, including Tara (Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance), the Encompass Network, Routes Out, and Survivors of Human Trafficking, have previously advocated for the Scottish Government to follow Sweden's example. The organization Zero Tolerance, dedicated to ending male violence against women, also articulated concerns about the existing legal framework in Scotland. In a 2011 blog post written by lawyer Phillipa Greer, the organization criticized Scotland's laws as "unhelpful and contradictory," asserting that they stigmatize prostitutes by prioritizing public nuisance concerns.

Greer additionally raised the critical point that by criminalizing public acts linked to the sale of sexual services while not addressing the act of purchasing itself, Scottish law may inadvertently drive women into more perilous circumstances. She argued that the visibility of such activities in public spaces is what constitutes the offense, and these restrictions overlook the inherent harm endured by sex workers, while also increasing the risks they face. Such restrictions may prompt sex workers to hastily enter vehicles to avoid drawing attention, and they can lead to displacement, forcing individuals into more concealed and less supervised areas.

For those interested in further information about Ash Regan's "Unbuyable" campaign, additional details are available on the campaign's website.

Who attends a midday show by a professional financial dominatrix titled "Sex Job"? Lane Kwederis, once an improv comedian now a full-time sex worker, offers insights into her unique career. Financial domination, where men enjoy having women empty their accounts, is Lane's profession. Her show, a blend of comedy and exposé, grants a peek into her world's highs and lows. The audience is diverse – students, middle-aged seekers of excitement, and mature Fringe enthusiasts.

Lane delves into her daily life, aiming to engage a varied audience of ages, genders, and nationalities. Her target demographic remains uncertain, much like her delivery. She races through stories, offering a glimpse but lacking depth. While discussing intriguing kinks, she swiftly moves on, leaving the curious crowd wanting more. Unanswered questions prevail as laughter diminishes.

Lane's adeptness at social media and tales of its challenges shine. Guiding an audience member, "Helen," in conversing with a submissive online showcases her skill. A portion of the money earned goes to charity. Yet, the narrative often skims the surface, trading substance for superficial anecdotes. Kwederis, a people-pleaser, evokes sympathy, revealing a core self in anecdotes about her ex and their toxic relationship.

"Sex Job" captivates with voice-overs, campy ads, singing, and acrobatics. However, it falls short in revealing Lane's true identity, vital for a one-hour solo performance. The legal intricacies of sex work deserve more exploration. The Edinburgh Uni room's diverse audience likely left with lingering curiosity rather than full satisfaction.

Campaigners have warned that the freezing of bank accounts for prostitues leaves them vulnerable to exploitation and violence.

The warning comes after former UKIP leader Nigel Farage demanded compensation from private bank Coutts after it closed his account, partly due to his political views.

Two bank bosses, including NatWest Group's chief executive Dame Alison Rose, stepped down last week, with Ms Rose admitting she was the source of a BBC story stating Farage's bank account was shut on commercial grounds.

Audrey Caradonna, a spokesperson for the Sex Workers' Union, told The Independent: "For prostitutes, suddenly losing access to your bank account and your money isn't a freak occurrence but an all too common nightmare."

She said that the freezing of bank accounts leaves sex workers unable to withdraw money or make payments, which can make them increasingly vulnerable to exploitation and violence.

"A lack of funds means many are forced to take on riskier work, such as working in isolated locations or accepting cash payments," she said.

"This puts them at risk of being exploited by clients or even attacked."

Caradonna called on banks to stop freezing the bank accounts of sex workers and to ensure that they have access to the financial services they need.

The freezing of bank accounts is a serious issue that can have a devastating impact on sex workers.

It is important that banks take steps to ensure that this does not happen, and that they provide support to those who have been affected.

• The freezing of bank accounts can have a significant impact on the mental and physical health of sexworkers.
• It can also make it difficult for them to pay their rent, bills, and other expenses.
• The freezing of bank accounts can also lead to sex workers being evicted from their homes or losing their jobs.
• Campaigners are calling on banks to introduce clear and transparent policies on the freezing of bank accounts, and to provide more support to those who have been affected.

Jacqueline Gold, the founder of Ann Summers, a leading retailer of lingerie and sex toys, passed away last week at the age of 62 after battling breast cancer for seven years. Gold's passing is a great loss to the business world, especially for women across the UK, who have been empowered by her contribution to female sexual liberation.

In a statement released by Ann Summers on Friday, it was announced that Gold had passed away, leaving her husband, Dan, daughter, Scarlett, sister, Vanessa, and brother-in-law, Nick, by her side. Vanessa described her sister as an "absolute warrior" throughout her cancer journey.

Gold joined Ann Summers in the late 1970s and took over as CEO in 1987. She transformed the business into a multi-million-pound enterprise by making it more female-friendly and introducing the concept of hosting Tupperware-style parties to sell lingerie and sex toys to women in the privacy of their homes. Gold's "no men allowed" policy at these parties enabled women to discuss their desires and sexual freedom openly, which was a radical departure from the prevailing social norms of the time.

Gold was appointed Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2016 New Year Honours for her outstanding contributions to women in business, social enterprise, and entrepreneurship. In addition to being a successful businesswoman, she was also a role model for many women across the UK.

Gold's father, David Gold, co-founded Ann Summers with his brother Ralph in 1972, and he played a pivotal role in transforming the business from a small collection of standard sex shops to a nationwide high street phenomenon. David passed away just two months before Jacqueline.

Although Ann Summers has closed several branches due to the decline of the British high street, it still operates 81 stores across the UK, Ireland, and the Channel Islands. Gold's legacy will continue to inspire and empower women for generations to come. Her sister, Vanessa, has succeeded her as CEO of the company.

Last year Edinburgh council voted to ban strip clubs.  They set a nil level of strip and lap dancing clubs for the city.  The owners and strippers took this to appeal, on Friday 10th February 2023 this was deemed illegal by the appeals judge.

Critics took their fight to the Court of Session in Edinburgh, where Lord Richardson decided on Friday that councillors had made the decision on the “basis of erroneous legal advice”.

A USW spokesperson said: “The council’s nil-cap decision, if upheld, would have resulted in the closure of all strip clubs in the city. This would have meant many of our members losing their livelihoods or having to move away from their homes and families to find work elsewhere.

Local people across Forth Valley are being urged to practice safer sex and to get tested if they have been at risk following a large increase in cases of gonorrhoea.

In 2019, 164 cases of gonorrhoea were reported in Forth Valley however in 2022 more than 270 cases were confirmed with the biggest increase being amongst young people aged between 19 and 25.

Along with several other Health Boards across Scotland, sexual health experts in NHS Forth Valley are now encouraging anyone who has had unprotected sex to get tested and stress the importance of using condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

NHS Forth Valley Consultant in HIV and Genito Urinary Medicine, Dr Kirsty Abu-Rajab, said: “The best way to prevent sexually transmitted infections is to practice safer sex by using a condom and get tested if you have been at risk. Gonorrhoea infection is spread by unprotected vaginal, oral and anal sex and can also infect the throat and eyes.

Symptoms of gonorrhoea can include:

• green or yellow fluid coming out of the penis
• pain or a burning sensation when passing urine
• discomfort and swelling of the testicles
• A change in vaginal discharge
• pain in the lower tummy, particularly during sex
• bleeding in between periods or after sex

“However, many people with gonorrhoea will not experience any symptoms and are at risk of passing the infection on to others. If left untreated, gonorrhoea can cause serious health problems and complications, including infertility in both men and women.”

Sex work T shirts

I have no affiliation with this website, and they have not asked me to advertise them.  This is posted just for your information.

An article from a Dr Jacci Stoyle, secretariat for the Cross-Party Group for Commercial Sexual Exploitation, published in the 'The Scotsman' an opinion piece. Obviously, her agenda is to criminalise clients and end all sex work.  In her one-sided article she has incorrect facts, and rather selected bias on the examples she chooses. She is against decriminalisation of sex work as is practised in New Zealand, Austria and some states of Australia.  (Germany, the Netherlands do not decriminalize, they run a legalised controlled form of prostitution)

Amnesty Internatioanl support decriminalisation, she has hooked into the Douglas Fox, founder of a major prostitution ting in Northern England.  That is a laugh.

This idea is championed by Amnesty International, the iconic human rights organisation, who appear to have allowed their policy to have been influenced by Douglas Fox, a former member and founder of a major prostitution ring in the north of England, although they deny this.  

Douglas was a male sex worker, and yes, he did run an exceedingly small escort agency with 6 escorts he provided advertising for.  That is not a large escort agency. Many London agencies have 300 providers on their books. It does though show that those who support sex workers rights must be squeaky clean, otherwise they are all condemned as pimps.

Jacci ses one woman, Chelsea, to discredit decriminalisation. She was thrown out of home at 14, abused by a paedophile, and all the harm accorded to her, somehow is the fault of decriminalization. I don't see the connection.

She condemns the business owners who do not give employees minimum wages, sick pay, holiday pay etcetera. This happens in good old Britain with zero hours contracts in the gig economy. There are good employees in New Zealand, and there is the possibility of setting up your own communal brothel. She says there are no exit strategies for women in sex work, like there are no exit strategies for those wonderful cleaning jobs. 

In her arguments, she fails to mention that the large brothels require planning permission, and that the small brothels, less than four people working together in a flat are allowed, without planning and typically are run as a cooperative. Decriminalization allows you to run your own brothel. In the UK, and in Nordic law countries, two women working together are liable to prosecution. This happens many times in the Republic of Ireland.

She contends that decriminalization of prostitution ends your rights.

Thirdly, in full decriminalisation, prostitution is not a crime. Chelsea will tell you that in addition to your body, prostitution in New Zealand involves the sale of your human rights, such as the right to free expression, fair-working conditions and the right not to endure torture, rape, sexual harassment, and abuse. Simply put this means if a crime is committed in a brothel, the police are not interested.

What utter bollocks she is talking. In the decriminalized system, your right to say no is enshrined in law. There are even mandatory health and safety laws to ensure save working conditions. Mandatory use of condoms. Jacci contends that in one case, the sex worker Chelsea, was knocked unconscious and her purse stolen. The police were not interested. The police were not interested. The blame on inaction is not decriminalization, but on the police. She was assaulted, so the police should have taken this seriously.  If this did happen, then the police in her location would need a wakeup call.  I bet that if this had been under the UK laws, she would have been arrested.

Next, she condems the condom law. Both the client and the person selling sex are liable for fines on condom use.

An example of this lauded ‘harm reduction’ is that condoms and needles are provided in brothels. However, Chelsea tells us this was always the case, but now it is far more problematic. Under New Zealand law, ostensibly to make prostitution ‘safer’, the non-use of condoms incurs a fine of $2,000 on both parties. Unsurprisingly, when the buyer removes the condom against the will of the seller, it isn’t reported. After all, as Chelsea says: “Why on Earth would you give yourself a $2,000 fine?” Oh my, what a clever little law this is; now the data can ‘prove’ just how much ‘safer’ prostitution is in New Zealand.

What utter rubbish? Removing the condom against the will of the sex work, or any partner is rape in my book. I am certain that the $2,000 fine would not apply to the sex worker in this case. Jacci is just concocting falsehoods.

Finally, Jacci goes on and blames all violence against women on the sale of sex in New Zealand brothels.  This argument is totally untrue.  There have been many reported studies of an event which occurred in the state of Rhode Island. Sex work was decriminalized by accident for many years. Many massage parlors opened. Finally, the normal American criminal laws against prostitution were applied.  During the period of decriminalization of prostitution in Rhode Island, the number of rapes dropped significantly. No other crimes dropped.

A ban on strip clubs has been announced by Edinburgh Council, which says the venues disempower women.

But today the United Sex Workers union began a legal challenge of the decision.

The union says it would force over 100 women out of work and potentially into more dangerous situations.

We spoke to Labour MP Nadia Whittome, who’s been a long-standing campaigner for more support for sex workers, and asked her if she agreed that the cost of living crisis was pushing women into sex work?

A guide has been published with information on the law relating to sex workers, and where to get help. The guide has information on working safley.

A gang who trafficked and forced women to work in Scottish brothels have been convicted. They lured victims from China and Thailand with promises of work.

A number of lucrative sex for sale flats had been used – one in Glasgow’s Albion Street and another city centre property in Oswald Street.

The Fringe performer has backed the strippers who recently hit out at claims by Councillor Mandy Watt that dancing is ‘not work’ and who have accused other councillors and 'radical feminists' of taking away their freedom to choose.

Yes, dancing is a job although not a career. Who wants to see a 70-Year-old pole dancer? That’s a whole other ageism show," says Mary.She continues, "A young woman called Marissa saw my show recently. She is 20 years old and is a stripper in a fully nude club. We had dinner afterwards as I’m a friend of her mother's.

An article in Psychology Today about the different regimes in which sex work is viewed in different countries. The article discusses the different regimes enacted in various countries and regions. It is a fair article and does not decide on one regime or the other. 

• Policies that criminalize sex work exist on a broad spectrum: from prohibition to abolition and neo-abolition.
• Views about sex work have shifted in many countries, resulting increasingly in public support for the decriminalization of prostitution.
• Decriminalization and criminalization policies and implications typically vary from country to country.

The escort Summer Dahlia is fearful that the online safety bill will force her to work on the street or brothels.  The fear is the legislation will stop her advertising online with sites such as Adult work.  The potential amendments to the law would make google and other search engines remove adult work from the search indexes.

Dahlia says these sites allow her to vet clients. In America a similar bill closed down many sites, forcing escorts onto the street to find new clients.

Under the current law, the Government said websites are only required to take down content when it is reported by users.

The Online Safety Bill would force sites to be proactive and prevent people from being 'exposed' to the content in the first place.

Two new reports have looked at the lived experiences of Scottish sex workers and how other countries are attempting to stop the cycle of prostitution.

The research was commissioned and instigated by the Scottish Government in their attempt to criminalize the purchase of sex.   The lived experience, and international evidence review highlight the experiences of Scottish escorts and sex workers.

The lived experience review shows how some women working as escorts did not know about the support services available to leave prostitution.

The international evidence looked at framework in other countries. This appears according to this newspaper article to have only looked at the Nordic model.

1. Laws that criminalize the client and decriminalize the sex worker.

2 Support for 'victims' and helping those selling sex to exit.

3. Change societal views on prostitution, preventing demand.

I can't see in this newspaper article that they looked at total decriminalization as in New Zealand and much or Eastern Australia.

A lunatic motorist deliberately drove into and knocked down a pair of naked tandem cyclists undertaking a charity ride. This was all captured on video as the cyclists were live streaming to Facebook at the time. The irate and dangerous woman in the car was heard yelling at the couple cycling, she shouted 'You're a fucking prostitute'

Why do others have such a phobia about naked people? Importantly, why is shouting 'You are a fucking prostitute' deemed to be abusive.  Such small minded people are out thete.

The Scottish police are taking this seriously and may bring a charge of attempted murder against the drive, assuming they find her.

As Edinburgh bans strip clubs, there is a fight and appeal going ahead. Susan Dalgety one a support of Edinburgh Saunas and Edinburgh strip clubs, is not against them, She does not subscribe to the view prescribe to the liberal feminist view that sex work is real work and should be treated the same as social care or retail.  She is disappointed that a trade union is trying to raise £20,000 to appeal against this decision. Her view is that for every seasoned stripper who argues that her job is simply “sexual entertainment”, there is a young woman being viciously beaten by her pimp for failing to earn enough.

Edinburgh has imposed a total ban on strip clubs and lap dancing clubs. They have pandered to the ideologies of the radicle feminists.  The result 100 women losing their jobs. The work being driven underground and into prostitution causing more danger to the women.

The United Sex Workers, a trade union representing adult entertainment performers, has accused the council of "dictat[ing] what work women can and cannot do."

Tess Herman, of United Sex Workers, told councillors there was a "unique opportunity" to ensure sex workers were given proper employment rights in Edinburgh.

SNP committee convener Cathy Fullerton sought to introduce a cap of four - allowing the existing venues to continue operating - but Labour depute Lord Provost Joan Griffiths moved to impose the blanket ban.

Why is it Labour, who should be supporting women, ends up imposing poverty on the workers.

The Union is considering legal action.

The Union is considering

Thankfully, the police open old cases. I remember this case of Emma, I worked in Edinburgh for many years. Thankfully, the murdering pig has now been caught and faces justice for the slaughter of a woman who happened to be selling sexual services.

Emma Caldwell, who was 27, was last seen between 12.30am and 1.30am on April 5, 2005, on London Road, Glasgow and was reported missing by her family on April 10, 2005.

The unsolved case was reopened in 2015 following consideration by senior lawyers in the Crown Office.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Graeme Mackie, said: "Police Scotland officers have undertaken a significant amount of work re-investigating all the circumstances surrounding Emma’s death following instruction from the Lord Advocate in 2015.

The Card payments processor is being taken to court by an escort who was thrown off the platform after a month. The had provided her with a contactless card reader. The escort called 'Anna' was using the card processor to take payments from clients.  Anna is now attempting to force SumUp to reverse its decision, in arguing that SumUp’s ban on sex workers is discriminatory towards women, under the Equality Act 2010.

A british court has said she can remain anonymous as she takes action against them.

The ruling may open the door for more legal challenges from sex workers in the future, in setting a precedent to allow sex workers to fight their cases anonymously.

In a statement, sex workers union United Sex Workers (USW) said it would continue to fight cases against payment processors.

Prostitution contributes billions of pounds to UK gross domestic product (GDP) each year.