§ Baroness Rendell of Baberghasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they are taking to ensure that children are protected from abuse through prostitution and that those who coerce children into prostitution are (a) investigated and (b) prosecuted. [HL2577]
138WA
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathThe Government have published new guidance,Safeguarding Children Involved in Prostitution—Supplementary Guidance to Working Together To Safeguard Children. It establishes that the primary law-enforcement effort must be against those who coerce children into and abuse them through prostitution. Children involved in prostitution should be treated primarily as victims of abuse. The guidance sets out an inter-agency approach, based on local protocols, to address this type of abuse. The identification of a child involved in prostitution, or at risk of being drawn into prostitution, should always trigger the agreed local area child protection committee procedures to ensure the child's safety and welfare and to enable the police to gather evidence about abusers and coercers. The guidance forms an important part of the Government's strategy to combat the commercial sexual exploitation of children. Copies of the guidance will be placed in the Library.