Elche leads charge against prostitution
City hall is looking to ‘eradicate’ sexual exploitation
A DRAFT bylaw against prostitution and human trafficking for sexual exploitation has been approved by Elche’s local government committee and put on public display.
The aim of the legislation is, within the limitations of municipal powers, to eradicate prostitution and sexual exploitation in the municipality, noted council spokesman Héctor Díez.
The document establishes a comprehensive plan which comprises and coordinates everything the council can do for victims in these situations so that they can receive support that will enable them to integrate socially.
It introduces some protective measures for victims, and has already been submitted for preliminary public consultation once for 15 days a few months ago, and some of the suggestions made then have been incorporated.
Sr Díez highlighted the emphasis on social integration, and also detailed aspects of what are considered to be violations.
Minor violations, for which fines are from €500 to €750, include activities related to advertising prostitution, as well as sexual tourism and use of public spaces.
Serious offences, with penalties of €750-€1,500, include soliciting, negotiating or accepting paid sexual services, as well as performing any sexual act in a public space in return for any kind of payment or compensation.
There are also fines for collaborating with people seeking sexual services, such as facilitating, keeping lookout or warning them about police presence.
The other serious violation is promoting use of prostitution or other forms of sexual exploitation in the prostitution and/or sexual tourism market.
Fines of €1,500 up to €3,000 are contemplated for very serious violations, which applies to
any of the above actions if they are committed within 200 metres of any of the following places – schools or any public place busy with children, or any public cultural, festive, recreational, sporting or very busy event.
Other places that constitute very serious violations are those which make prostitutes more vulnerable, such as isolated or badly lit areas, being close to traffic, and spaces which prevent or make it difficult for them to escape.
The bylaw not only affects adults but also minors aged between 14 and 18.
The support plan for victims of prostitution is being designed to ensure their social integration, including financial assistance and alternative employment.