Mind your language: a new language resource

women@thewell have launched a language resource, written by the writer and journalist Julie Bindel.

Caro Hattersley, Director of women@thewell, writes, "It is important to understand the correct use of language so as not to accidentally further stigmatise or victimise the women and girls trapped and exploited in the sex trade, or to minimise the actions of those who purchase or control the sale of women’s bodies. We hope this resource enables those who read it to communicate more effectively and consistently in matters relating to prostitution and the sex trade".

Alongside providing direct support to women affected by prostitution we work nationally and internationally to raise awareness of the issues surrounding prostitution and sexual exploitation.

We are abolitionists, in partnership with like-minded organisations we campaign for changes to legislation and policy that support an end to prostitution.

We do this by:

Working to decriminalise the women involved in prostitution and other forms of commercial sexual exploitation

Promoting policies and practices that support women to make a sustainable exit from prostitution

Pressing for the removal of historic convictions of soliciting from women records

Advocating for the criminalisation of those involved in controlling the commercial sex trade and those who purchase sexual services or otherwise profit from the sex trade

Educating professionals and agencies to develop policies and practices that support women to live a life free from exploitation.