Sex workers are suffering a “substantially” increased threat of violence as the recession forces them to cut their prices, accept more clients and take greater risks.
A study by Westminster council today revealed prices have collapsed by as much as 50 per cent as foreign prostitutes seek work in the West End. This has been accompanied by a decline in the number of men paying for sex, and in the rates they are willing to offer.
The study, believed to be the most comprehensive analysis to date of the Soho sex industry, found the problem was compounded by the reluctance of many victims to report attacks. This means “perpetrators can become repeat offenders”, targeting both sex workers and the wider community, the cross-party task group found.
Ian Rowley, the Tory councillor who led the Department of Health-funded investigation, today called for attacks on sex workers to be classified as “hate crimes”, meaning police would offer victims a “linked-up” response and offenders could face tougher punishment.
The council is said to be determined to address the issue. “There is a particularly vulnerable group here,” said Mr Rowley. “As a decent society, it’s wrong that people are subject to violence, intimidation and threats.”
The number of street prostitutes around Paddington has grown to about 30 to 40 women, mainly British but now including Romanians. There are about 80 to 100 known brothels in Westminster.
In venues with an “open door” policy, sex workers can see six clients per shift and earn £20 an hour. Women in brothels advertised via phone cards or on the web earn £150 to £200 per hour, but at least a third goes to the internet provider.
Mr Rowley said: “The number of people in sex work has gone up. People have less money to spend but women are trying to get a particular income level. This means they take more risks in terms of services they provide, and they take on clients they would previously have turned away.”
