Streetlight UK

Who we are

Streetlight UK is specifically focused on providing tangible and material pathways for women out of a lifestyle of prostitution and violence and has developed its specialism and understanding of women involved in prostitution across London, Sussex and Surrey since 2012.

Our service seeks to support women who face sexual violence and exploitation and to help them overcome the challenges that limit their choices, such as the lack of education, training and employment opportunities as well as the physical and emotional barriers before them.

To enable this, we provide women with access to our direct specialist services to deal with the trauma of their involvement in prostitution, as well as meeting their practical needs including sexual health, substance misuse, homelessness and debt advice for example.

Online access to prostitution has resulted in more pop-up brothels in short term let properties – an average rental time of 3 weeks to 3 months. This has made it extremely difficult to establish long term support networks for women, due to the fluid movement of women and properties.

Streetlight UK also address the root causes of why women are involved in prostitution, by tackling issues such as low self-worth, sexual abuse/violence, isolation, mental illness, addictions, poverty and relationship dysfunction. Enabling access to grant/loans and careers advice, developing a CV, preparing for interviews and identifying and working with sympathetic employers.

Survival Sex - Many women have reported that a reduction in benefits and rising living costs have resulted in an inability to make ends meet. Women are turning to “Survival Sex” to pay for basic essentials such as food, rent and clothing etc.

The UK Government suggests that approximately 105,000 individuals in the UK are believed to be involved in prostitution. The British Medical Association figures suggest that 1 in 10 men have paid for sex in this country. We believe these figures are only the tip of the iceberg. When asked if they would like to leave prostitution, 9 out of 10 women say yes.

Streetlight UK enables women to regain control of their lives to leave prostitution and have a fresh start.