Prostitution and Drugs

1
Prostitution and Drugs
Scottish Drugs Forum Conference An Overview of
the Day 28 September 2005 Mike
McCarron National Officer Drug Action Team
Association
2
Definition of Sexual Health WHO 2002
A state of physical, emotional, mental and
social well-being related to sexuality It is not
merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or
infirmity. Sexual Health requires a positive and
respectful approach to sexuality and sexual
relationships, as well as the possibility of
having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences
free of coercion, discrimination and violence.
For sexual health to be attained and maintained,
the sexual rights of all persons must be
respected, protected and fulfilled.
3
Some Questions

• Is this where people involved in prostitution
  want to be?
• Are there factors coercing people to be where
  they dont want to be?
• Does criminalisation of the individual add to the
  weight of coercion and promote greater harm?

4
The Way Forward

• Big Social and Gender Inequality Problems
• Stop discriminating by criminalising the
  individual
• Tackle oppressive gender inequality
• Inform public debate/lead social reform

• Drug Services
• The well-being and safety of the individual as
  the priority
• Understand the many problems underlying addiction
  including harm caused by prostitution
• Offer all individuals choices to embark on a
  journey leading to a different place