Walk in a punter. Walk out a rapist.

[6th May 2008]

A new poster campaign to raise awareness of the exploitation and trafficking of some women among men who pay for sex was launched today by Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker, as part of the Government's six month review into tackling the demand for prostitution.

The posters are being piloted in men's toilets in pubs and clubs in Westminster and Nottingham. They will be supported by online advertising, with additional advice on the UK Human Trafficking Centre's “Blue Blindfold” website.

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said: “Trafficking is a vile and evil trade and sex buyers must be made to think twice about the consequences of their actions. These women are being treated as commodities and are sold, controlled and exploited by others for a profit. This is totally unacceptable.

“The advertising campaign we are launching today should help draw attention to the plight these women face and make men think again about what they are doing.”

A 2007 research report by the Child and Woman Abuse Studies Unit revealed the peak age for buying sex is 34, with men aged 20-40 counting for the majority. Most are employed, around half are in a relationship and over a fifth have children. A key part of the UK Action Plan on Tackling Human Trafficking is to undertake publicity and awareness-raising to reduce demand in the UK.

A six month review looking at what more the Government can do to tackle the demand for prostitution began in January. The evaluation of the pilot marketing campaign will feed into the overall results of this review.

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