I was raped because I entered red-light zone, claims teacher

A TEACHER seeking refuge from domestic violence says she was raped after being mistaken for a prostitute in Britain’s first official red-light zone.

Alice says she was bundled into a car one night by four men before being raped by one of them at a nearby house.

The disclosure will intensify pressure for the “managed zone” in Holbeck, Leeds, to be shut down as evidence mounts that it has increased violence against women.

Complaints of rape and sex assault in the Holbeck and Beeston ward have doubled since the zone was set up.

Alice says she was devastated when police decided not to prosecute a man they arrested. It is understood the Crown Prosecution Service was consulted and at least one police officer was unhappy with the decision.

Alice has decided to speak out because the authorities are placing vulnerable women in an unsafe area.

Her refuge hostel was half a mile from the zone where kerb crawling, soliciting and loitering are permitted between 8pm and 6am. “It is not a safe area for vulnerable women,” said Alice, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“I don’t want what has happened to me to happen to anyone else. We are

‘We are told the managed approach to prostitution is supposed to make women safer but in reality it doesn’t’

told the managed approach to prostitution is supposed to make women safer but in reality it doesn’t.”

Alice had been moved to the refuge in Holbeck after treatment for mental health problems resulting from domestic violence by her “abusive” partner. She said she had to fend off propositions from kerb crawlers twice a week.

Last May, she was returning to the refuge after a drink with a friend when a car pulled up with four men who asked her to go to a party. When she refused, two got out and bundled her in.

“Looking back I realise I was paralysed by it all,” she said.

At their house, the men asked her for sexual services and offered cash. “I was terrified. I told them I’m not a prostitute,” she said. One of them then raped her. She escaped by running down the street, banging on doors until one was opened by a couple who called police.

She was examined and gave a video interview. “They asked if I accepted money. I said, ‘No, I have a teacher’s degree, I am an educated person’.”

Her attacker was charged and bailed but she was “devastated” when told police would not pursue the case.

“They said it was my word against his and they would not get a successful prosecution.”

West Yorkshire police said all evidence was reviewed and it was determined no further action would be taken.