Drugs Action

1. Drugs Action Women involved in prostitution in Aberdeen - Meeting the Needs

2. Overview • Background information • The current scene in Aberdeen • Drug Action services • Crack use and prostitution • Crack use and service implications • Future service developments

3. Background Information • The harbour area is a traditional area for street prostitution in Aberdeen. • Grampian Police currently operates a management zone. • Drugs Action has been providing a street outreach service for 12 years. • The drop-in centre opened in 2004 • The onset of Crack Cocaine use in Aberdeen was linked to street prostitution. • Crack cocaine use in Grampian now accounts for 40% of the total national use.

4. The Current Scene in Aberdeen • Grampian Police & Drugs Action estimate numbers between 100 – 150 street workers. • Approximately 95% are dependent drug users. • Crack cocaine use is commonly reported as a secondary drug with heroin remaining the main drug of choice. • Approximately 12.5% of the women are residents.

5. Drugs Action Services‘Keeping safe, stabilising and moving on’ Stage 1 – Establishing trust and delivering immediate interventions Stage 2 - Improving awareness of problems and options for change Stage 3 - Supporting people to make and maintain change

6. Crack cocaine use and prostitution • The appeal of crack • Patterns of use • Street safety • Increase in BBV risk behaviour • Mental health issues

7. Crack cocaine and service implications • Immediate service • Staff attitudes and knowledge • Access to complimentary therapies • Intensive one to one support • Medical interventions

8. Future Service Developments • Secure funding to extend and enhance the drop-in service • Increase capacity for follow-up support • Provision of medical services at the drop-in • Develop links between the women and Grampian Police • Provision of complementary therapies

9. Drugs Action Luan Bruce 7 Hadden Street Aberdeen Tel.: 01224 577120 Email: luan@drugsaction.co.uk