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Camden News - by PAUL KIELTHY
Published: 4 September 2008

Sex trade in Camden shows signs of ‘coercion’ according to report

AN analysis of the sex trade in Camden shows “indicators” of coerced or trafficked women, according to the author of a report published today (Thursday) on London’s brothels.
The high availability in Camden of “extras” like unprotected sex, and the advertised range of women’s nationalities, are “
indicators of coercion”, according to Helen Atkins, author of Big Brothel.
Data gathered by researchers at the
Poppy Project found 54 brothels operating in Camden, with a third operating as legitimate massage parlours or saunas, often licenced by the council.
Ms Atkins, who helps women exit prostitution at the Poppy Project, said: “The interesting thing about Camden is the high number of quasi-legal establishments that seem to operate with impunity.
“There have been some incidents in Camden, including the fire [at Touch of Class Sauna, Camden Town, in 2007] and things don’t seem to have moved on from there at all.
“There are also some flagrantly named establishments that are clearly offering sexual services.”
She added: “There is a wide selection of ethnicities working in Camden and it is likely that a significant number have suffered some coercion.”
The report is based on a survey of classified adverts in local newspapers across London.
The New Journal understands that Town Hall officials have met with the Poppy Project in the past to discuss the issue of trafficked prostitutes but have so far not been provided with evidence of offences at specific establishments.

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