Preventing Another Serial Killer? Learning from Projects Supporting Women and Girls Who Are Sexually Exploited or Selling Sex

Introduction

This briefing explores learning from projects supporting women and girls who are sexually exploited or selling sex. It was developed through conversations between 7 group members of the Women and Girls Initiative, Sexual Exploitation Action Learning Set.

It aims to inform policy, commissioning, and frontline practice on preventing serious violence.

Findings

The briefing highlights that trusted local services play a vital role in preventing repeat violence. Listening to women and building alliances improves safety and increases reporting. Strong partnerships with police helped identify patterns of abuse and take action early.

It found that:

• long-term, community-based support builds trust and confidence

• early information sharing can disrupt repeat offending

• consistent police relationships strengthen investigation and protection

• trauma-informed practice improves engagement

• coordinated local action reduces gaps in safeguarding

The briefing explains that some women still face stigma or disbelief when reporting violence, and that structural factors such as poverty and gender inequality increase vulnerability.

The briefing highlights that community-based support services, with strong links to a dedicated specialist police liaison officer, offer a model for reporting violence and abuse early. This approach could help stop more perpetrators.