Engagement and Support Orders

Engagement and Support Orders are a key component in the government's attempts to address and reduce street prostitution. The Government’s Co-ordinated Prostitution Strategy attempts to tackle the problems associated with prostitution, and to reduce overall levels of street prostitution. Engagement and Support Orders are now available to courts dealing with someone who has been convicted of loitering or soliciting for the purposes of prostitution, as an alternative sentencing option to a fine. The orders will require someone to attend three meeting where they will engage with services which can help them address the underlying causes of their engagement in prostitution. The intention is that this initial engagement will result in continued intervention leading ultimately to those persons subject to an order moving away from prostitution and is based on the belief that this is more effective than a fine, which too often can act as a reason to continue in street prostitution rather than as a deterrent.>

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