UKNSWP sent a letter to Merseyside Police earlier in the week raising awareness re 17th December, applauding them on their work addressing violence against sex workers and asking if the Chief would reinforce their position. The good news is the Chief Constable i.e. head of police force in Merseyside has made a statement on their website!! Here it is.
Merseyside Police supports 'International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers'
The 17th December, 2010 marks the 'International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers'. In particular on this day, we remember men and women who have been lost through violence and our thoughts are with their families.
Merseyside Police is currently investigating five unsolved murders of sex workers and these women will not be forgotten and the crimes against them are still being investigated.
In 2006, Merseyside Police was the first police force in the country to treat crimes against sex workers as 'hate crime'.
Since then we have continued to work with support networks both nationally and locally, in particular with the 'UK Network of Sex Work Projects' and with outreach staff and the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor from Armistead (Street) to build trust and confidence amongst members of that community.
Read the full article here.