London's brothel industry has spread to "every corner" of the city, according to a charity's report.
London's brothel industry has spread to "every corner" of the city, according to a charity's report.
Brothels in the city offer sex for as little as £15, and some are charging £10 extra for unprotected intercourse, the Poppy Project in Southwark found.
Brothels in the city offer sex for as little as £15, and some are charging £10 extra for unprotected intercourse, the Poppy Project in Southwark found.
Its report said 85% of brothels in the city operated in residential areas and researchers posing as sex buyers found brothels in all 33 London boroughs.
Its report said 85% of brothels in the city operated in residential areas and researchers posing as sex buyers found brothels in all 33 London boroughs.
Westminster had the highest number with 71, compared to eight in Southwark.
Westminster had the highest number with 71, compared with eight in Southwark.
The study was compiled by the Poppy Project, which provides education about prostitution and helps victims of sex trafficking.
The study was compiled by the Poppy Project, which provides education about prostitution and helps victims of sex trafficking.
Researchers posing as potential punters telephoned 921 brothels that had advertised in local newspapers.
Researchers posing as potential punters telephoned 921 brothels that had advertised in local newspapers.
They found on average 28 brothels in each borough.
They found on average 28 brothels in each borough.
Together the brothels generated between £50m to £130m a year, the researchers estimated.
Together the brothels generated between £50m to £130m a year, the researchers estimated.
Underage girls
Underage girls
Campaigners insisted this was just "the tip of the iceberg" as the only source of information was newspaper adverts, as opposed to websites or phone box cards.
Campaigners insisted this was just "the tip of the iceberg" as the only source of information was newspaper adverts, as opposed to websites or phone box cards.
Many operated through legitimate businesses - licensed as saunas or massage parlours - though the vast majority were in private flats in residential areas.
Many operated through legitimate businesses - licensed as saunas or massage parlours - though the vast majority were in private flats in residential areas.
The report found 77 different ethnicities among women being offered for sex, many from areas such as eastern Europe and south-east Asia.
The report found 77 different ethnicities among women being offered for sex, many from areas such as eastern Europe and south-east Asia.
The average age of the women was 21. Several places offered "very, very young girls" but did not admit to having underage girls available.
The average age of the women was 21. Several places offered "very, very young girls" but did not admit to having underage girls available.
For most women involved in prostitution, the reality is a cycle of violence and coercion, perpetuated by poverty and inequality Report co-author Helen Atkins
For most women involved in prostitution, the reality is a cycle of violence and coercion, perpetuated by poverty and inequality Report co-author Helen Atkins
According to the researchers, the average price for full sex was about £62.
According to the researchers, the average price for full sex was about £62.
Co-author Helen Atkins said: "This research shows the disturbing prevalence of the sex industry in every corner of London - fuelled by the demand for prostitution services.
Co-author Helen Atkins said: "This research shows the disturbing prevalence of the sex industry in every corner of London - fuelled by the demand for prostitution services.
"Multi-media misrepresentations of commercial sex as a glamorous, easy and fun career choice for girls and women further contribute to the ubiquity of London's brothel industry.
"Multi-media misrepresentations of commercial sex as a glamorous, easy and fun career choice for girls and women further contribute to the ubiquity of London's brothel industry.
"However, for most women involved in prostitution, the reality is a cycle of violence and coercion, perpetuated by poverty and inequality."
"However, for most women involved in prostitution, the reality is a cycle of violence and coercion, perpetuated by poverty and inequality." />
Are you affected by the issues in this story? Is there enough protection for prostitutes in your country? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.
Are you affected by the issues in this story? Is there enough protection for prostitutes in your country? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.
