Living and working in areas of street sex work

There has been considerable recent policy debate on street sex work in local neighbourhoods and responses to community concerns. This report examines how residential areas characterised as areas of female street sex work are shared by different sections of the community and considers community and policy responses to street sex work. The report draws on research with sex workers, residents and agency staff in five case study areas in England and Scotland. It considers community responses to street sex work in local neighbourhoods and the varying degrees of tolerance and engagement. Exploring whether residential streets can serve as shared spaces where residents and sex workers may coexist, the authors reflect on the scope for improving relations between residents and street sex workers, through initiatives such as consultation, mediation and awareness-raising. Living and working in areas of street sex work considers both the effectiveness of responses such as enforcement and the use of anti-social behaviour legislation; and the need for integrated initiatives to address community conflicts and manage the street scene.