Sex is available for sale in “every corner” of London, sometimes for as little as £15, a new report warns.
The Poppy Project in Southwark found brothels operating in every one of London’s 33 boroughs, many of which advertised through local newspapers.
Researchers investigating the advertisements were offered “very, very young girls”, though none of the brothels admitted that underage girls were available. The average age of the prostitutes was 21.
One of the report’s authors, 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.
“However, for most women involved in prostitution, the reality is a cycle of violence and coercion, perpetuated by poverty and inequality.”