Do I need to put my full name and surname in the submission?
(I'll ask for it not to be published of course but still...)

I don't  think the name that we use matters in the slightest.  How will they know if it is our true name?  (I  used a false name and said I was happy for it to be published).

Okay, that's my submission. Will email it tomorrow morning.


2. How do you think these two models - which have received the most attention in recent years - impact;

(a) The safety of those in prostitution;

- What makes sex work safe in my opinion?
   1. Being able to share premises with another sex worker (independent or as a part of an establishment/    agency)
   2. Being fully supported by the law and the police.
   3. Not feeling stigmatized by the society. Having a support system, such as health care, work- related    advice or psychological counselling.
   4. Feeling respected and empowered by acknowledging that sex work is creating a value in the society    and contributing to the economy.

I don't think that the Nordic Model contributes to sex worker's safety in any way, nor of those buying sex.
On the contrary, it will make the environment more unsafe and sex work will only be pushed underground, making it difficult to report crime and seek support.
I cannot understand why consensual sex between adults should be in any way criminalized.

In Full Decriminalization Model adults are being treated like adults and not like children incapable of making decisions for themselves.
Running a business involving sex work should be treated just like any other business, with the same laws and obligations.

(b) Exploitation of foreign migrants and trafficked persons;

- Trafficking and exploitation should be covered by already existing laws regarding kidnap, false imprisonment, slavery and such.
Sexual offences should be covered by already existing criminal laws considering non-consensual sex.
Sex work is based on CONSENSUAL sex between adults and including it in any of the above categories is a fallacy. It defies logic and common sense.

(c) Exiting services.

- I don't think that sex work should be treated any different to other professions.
I haven't heard of 'exiting services' for people working in factories, in corporations, on farms etc.

I believe in great benefit of social services or charities helping people with various problems and issues, at different stages of their lives. I see more benefit in non-judgemental support services for sex workers than in patronising us and urging to exit.


3. What legislative change would you like to see? How would it affect the daily reality of those in prostitution?

- Making laws such that sex work (independent or establishment/ agency)  has an equal status to any other work and business. With the exact same regulations.
Being EQUAL to others in the eyes of law is empowering. Having freedom of choice is empowering.
Being criminalized is none of this.


4. At what point does prostitution become exploitation?

- Anything that is beyond agreed boundaries - regarding sex services, payment, work conditions.


5. Additional comments.

- Full Decriminalization Model gives adults freedom, liberty and responsibility for their own lives.

If someone decides that engaging in sex work (or buying it) is not good for them, they should have a choice to make their own sovereign decision if they want to keep doing it or not.

There are plenty of ways that various activities can be misused and intended to harm.
This also applies to sex and sex work. It doesn't mean however that it should be banned.

For me personally sex work has been a lifeline thanks to which I've been able to survive, be self-sufficient, to run my own business and contribute to society.
It's also been a crucial part of my own very personal journey of understanding and dealing with my emotional issues. I do not regret my decisions and I wouldn't like anyone to make my decisions for me - and this unfortunately is the essence of the Nordic Model.

Thank you for reading and comments, Amy! Will amend the boundary pushing part.
Linguistic remarks much appreciated

- What makes sex work safe in my opinion?
   1. Being fully supported by the law and the police...

I don't think that the Nordic Model contributes to sex worker's safety in any way, nor of those buying sex.
On the contrary, it will make the environment more unsafe and sex work will only be pushed underground, making it difficult to report crime and seek support.
I cannot understand why consensual sex between adults should be in any way criminalized...

(b) Exploitation of foreign migrants and trafficked persons;

- Trafficking and exploitation should be covered by already existing laws regarding kidnap, false imprisonment, slavery and such.
Sexual offences should be covered by already existing criminal laws considering non-consensual sex.
Sex work is based on CONSENSUAL sex between adults and including it in any of the above categories is a fallacy. It defies logic and common sense...

Thank you for these 2 points in particular, 80's.  Wish I'd  thought of them myself.

You could email your submission to the ECP (English Collective of Prostitutes) who are happy to use the ideas of non-ECP members in their own response.  They asked me for my submission, for instance (after I got in touch with them regarding this inquiry).  Two ECP members gave verbal evidence to this inquiry and one took part in the discussion entitled "Should men have the right to buy sex?".  (These 2 stages are mentioned in the first post of this thread.  Personally, I had wondered where they found the 4 prostitutes who gave verbal evidence!)

Thank you for these 2 points in particular, 80's.  Wish I'd  thought of them myself.

You could email your submission to the ECP (English Collective of Prostitutes) who are happy to use the ideas of non-ECP members in their own response.  They asked me for my submission, for instance (after I got in touch with them regarding this inquiry).  Two ECP members gave verbal evidence to this inquiry and one took part in the discussion entitled "Should men have the right to buy sex?".  (These 2 stages are mentioned in the first post of this thread.  Personally, I had wondered where they found the 4 prostitutes who gave verbal evidence!)

Thanks Braziliana, I just emailed my submission and also emailed the Collective!

Do I need to put my full name and surname in the submission?
(I'll ask for it not to be published of course but still...)

I have just used my working name. No way am I giving out my real name on anything official, even though you can ask to be annonymised, mistakes can be made in this respect.

Mine turned into a real essay! I made it my business to find out as much about decrim as I could, I had info on the Nordic model, but found some great stuff on that too.

Thanks everyone!
xxx

Do we know what happens next and when, Sarah/whoever's reading? I can't find a timescale anywhere for the next part .

According to CPHRC, only 7 escorts sent in submissions and they all requested anonymity.  I said my name could be published, though, so there is a mistake (or a blatant lie!) somewhere, I believe.