"You are not going to shift attitudes if the law still justifies thecriminalisation of young people," said Sara Swann, a consultant on thesexual exploitation of children who advises the Government.
Kathy Evans, The Children's Society's policy director, added: "Althoughthe number of prosecutions has reduced significantly, we believe thatany child punished for being sexually abused is one child to many."
The Home Office's strategy proposes abolishing the term "commonprostitute" and says it will update guidance on child prostitution. Thisprovides the opportunity to remove the concept of criminalising youngpeople for prostitution, say campaigners.
The revised guidance must also define what child prostitution is, saidSwann. "I work with local authorities who think that prostitution isjust about children working in brothels or red-light districts."
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