This month the Government published its "Women Not For Sale" report based on research into small ads in local and regional newspapers advertising sexual services.
There is mounting concern that some of the women advertised in the back of newspapers could be the victims of human trafficking, as many of the women in these adverts are referred to as being from abroad. Human trafficking takes many forms and blights the lives of men, women and children on many different continents.
Government Ministers raised this issue with the Newspaper Society last November. The Society shared these concerns and are now drawing up tougher guidance for local papers on advertising. This will include suggestions on what type of ads to refuse; training for staff; consulting with police and Local Authorities; and only taking payment by cheque or credit card so accounts can be traced.
Some regional press, including the Manchester Evening News and Reading Post, have already said they will no longer accept this kind of advertising. If other papers follow suit we can make progress towards eradicating this intolerable trade.
Government Ministers raised this issue with the Newspaper Society last November. The Society shared these concerns and are now drawing up tougher guidance for local papers on advertising. This will include suggestions on what type of ads to refuse; training for staff; consulting with police and Local Authorities; and only taking payment by cheque or credit card so accounts can be traced.
Some regional press, including the Manchester Evening News and Reading Post, have already said they will no longer accept this kind of advertising. If other papers follow suit we can make progress towards eradicating this intolerable trade.
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