Challenging men’s demand for prostitution

26 April 2023

The Scottish Government has a Programme for Government commitment to challenge men’s demand for prostitution, which is being progressed through the development of a Framework to challenge men’s demand and support those with experience of prostitution. The developing Framework recognises that prostitution cannot be considered in isolation and will have relevance to other forms of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE).

Principles developed with stakeholders  (and informed by lived experience engagement) to underpin the Framework have been published and adopted across the Scottish Government. It is expected that the principles will inform relevant policy and practice across government, the wider public and third sector. It is only by working together we will successfully challenge men’s demand and tackle the attitudes and factors which drive this, whilst supporting those affected. We will continue to work with stakeholders as work progresses

The Scottish Government funds a range of services which support those with experience of CSE, including through the Delivering Equally Safe (DES) Fund. DES funded projects (such as CSE Aware) are helping to ensure the principles’ aims are realised. A progress report on the CSE focussed DES projects was published this month, offering further information about the projects.

DES funded work Sacro delivers, working with Fedcap, regarding employability support is helping to realise the principle’s aim ensure that all adults with experience of prostitution can access emotional and practical trauma informed support, at any stage, and that there’s consistent support when ready and preparing to exit. The Minister for Community Safety’s recent visit to hear more about the project, made clear that ensuring lived experience is at the heart of the developing Framework is key.

For further information please contact VAWGJustice@gov.scot