Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1039277
NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 14 OCTOBER 2018 MATTHEW VELLA SEX workers will be provided with an exit programme which the government has approved in a first raft of measures designed to assist victims of prostitution. The programme is designed to offer professional help to sex workers and assist them in exit- ing from the prostitution trade and trafficking gangs. The parliamentary secretary for reforms and citizenship Ju- lia Farrugia Portelli said the government had approved the first-ever programme for pro- fessional help to be given to inmates inside the Corradino Correctional Facility who have a history of prostitution. "The help is aimed at helping these people live an independ- ent life away from prostitution. The mechanism will be giving them the necessary tools to pre- pare them for basic challenges in life after leaving prison. The government will see that this specialised programme inside CCF will include opportunities for education and training, both formal and informal," Farrugia Portelli said. The programme was devised with the Dar Hosea shelter, a voluntary organisation that deals specifically with cases of prostitution. "This is just the start of a comprehensive programme for vulnerable people who want to exit prostitution," Farrugia Por- telli said. "We are committed to strengthen the fight against those who exploit these vulner- able people. It is a first step that goes hand in hand with changes so that victims are no longer pe- nalised but given the necessary help." The Nationalist Party said it was satisfied with the govern- ment's plans to create a mecha- nism for vulnerable people, es- pecially vulnerable women, to be helped out of prostitution circles. Despite this, the PN said it was disappointed that on such an important subject, the govern- ment had again failed to consult with the Opposition. "An exit programme for pros- titution should be a realistic and sustainable one. The dan- gers faced by vulnerable people in prostitution who don't have another option in life should be prioritised by this essential pro- gramme. It said the Opposition was will- ing to give its contribution in the reform, while stressing the need for a long-term plan that includes a broader and more holistic framework that protects vulnerable people and brings to justice those who exploit them. Although not mentioned, the government is also mulling rules for Malta's strip-club in- dustry which could ban the use of private rooms and set differ- ent rules for employees to allow pole dancers only to be naked on stage. Women's organisations have railed against the plans to give these clubs a regulated frame- work, although business repre- sentatives say the rules will give security to employees of an in- dustry that critics say borders on prostitution. Under the proposed rules, pri- vate dancing rooms will no long- er be allowed, which previously meant that customers could get private dancers but also nego- tiate prices for sexual favours – if tolerated on site. However, clubs could get the green light to have naked dancers on stage, provided that hostesses and lap dancers are all clothed when en- tertaining clients. There will also be restrictions on advertising outdoors, new zoning guidelines that could prevent such clubs from appear- ing within a certain distance of schools or places of worship, and also restrictions on club employees reeling in punters on the outside. Sex workers to get exit programme to leave prostitution 77 • 24 • 7 • 70 • 14 65 • 80 • 72 13-10-2018 Draw No: 745