FiLiA Women First Snapshot Report on Women Involved in Commercial Sexual Exploitation
The 2025 Snapshot Report, developed by FiLiA in partnership with five specialist organisations across England and Wales, provides a stark insight into the realities faced by women involved in prostitution and sexual exploitation. Drawing on the experiences of 91 women, the report highlights the deep links between commercial sexual exploitation and wider patterns of male violence, poverty, trauma and social inequality.
The findings show that the vast majority of women had experienced significant trauma before entering prostitution, including childhood sexual abuse, domestic abuse, homelessness and time in care. Many were living with complex mental health needs, substance use issues and insecure housing, while some were asylum seekers or women with insecure immigration status. The report demonstrates how women are often subjected to multiple forms of exploitation simultaneously, including street prostitution, trafficking and coercion linked to organised crime.
Alongside the statistics, the report includes reflections from frontline women’s services, emphasising the importance of trauma-informed, women-only support and long-term specialist provision. Overall, the report paints a powerful picture of the sex industry as rooted in inequality and abuse, while calling for greater protection, housing, support services and pathways to safety for women.
Read more about FiLiA Women First here.