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

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

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

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

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 Street outreach Street outreach Drop in Drop in Individual counselling/follow-up Individual counselling/follow-up

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

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

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

Drugs Action Luan Bruce 7 Hadden Street Aberdeen Tel.: