Sex workers help police catch gangs, August 21, UK

I find it incredibly important that women who identify as "sex workers" collaborate with social institutions to combat violence. However, one concern that is raised in this article, are simply more questions. The article focuses on "young girls who have been forced into the sex trade", but what of women (not girls) who are forced, exploited? Also: "Over the past two weeks, officers have been gathering information about brothels in the county that may be using woman brought into the country by traffickers." However, as many activist are finding and already know, international trafficking cross national borders is only one small component of human trafficking in the U.S. and around the world.

For more on debates about "sex workers" rights:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4066031.stm
and closer to home here in the Bay Area, California:
http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm/dyn/aid/2005

Sex workers help police catch gangs

21 August 2007

The Hunt's Post

WEB EDITORIAL - webdesk@herts24.co.uk



SEX workers have been calling police with vital information that could help in the fight to stamp out sex-trafficking in Cambridgeshire.

Police have has already rescued six woman from 'sex prisons' in the county, and have launched Operation Radium to hunt down the gangs behind the human trafficking.

Over the past two weeks, officers have been gathering information about brothels in the county that may be using woman brought into the country by traffickers.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Fullwood, who is leading the operation, said the response has been good - especially from women working in the sex industry.

He said these women wanted to help the young girls who have been forced into the sex trade, and who are often beaten and abused.

"The women who have been in touch with us see and hear things that other people wouldn't," said DCI Fullwood. "Their information as 'insiders' is very important to the intelligence-gathering and preparation side of Operation Radium."

Since the public launch of the operation two weeks ago, members of the public have provided detectives dozens of sites of suspected brothels in Peterborough, Cambridge, Huntingdonshire and the Fenland area.

"This stage of the operation may take many weeks to complete before we are in a position to take the tough action needed to bring the organisers of this sordid trade to justice," said DCI Fullwood. "In the meantime, it is vital that people keep calling us with any information they may have, no matter how trivial it may seem.

"Please remember that these brothels may operate under the guise of other businesses or even work from behind the facade of ordinary-looking homes in quiet streets.

"We are very, very grateful for the response we have had so far. Please keep the information coming in."

Posters and postcards seeking further information will be distributed across the region within the next few weeks.

INFORMATION: Anyone with information is asked to contact Cambridgeshire police on 0845 4564564 saying the call is in connection with Operation Radium, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, again mentioning Operation Radium.