Letter Template

[Address] [date] Dear [insert their name] Please take action to end advertising in your newspaper that is linked to the provision of sexual services and / or the presence of trafficked women.

I am writing as part of The Salvation Army’s ‘Cut It Out’ campaign, a campaign that aims to see an end to human trafficking for sexual services by raising awareness as to the issue and reducing the demand by seeing an end to advertising of sexual services in all newspapers throughout the UK. Advertising these establishments fuels the sex industry which will result in people being trafficked to fill the places required by these establishments. I am writing to you to ask that you end advertising in this way in your newspaper.

A letter from the SCD9 Human Exploitation and Organised Crime unit at New Scotland Yard dated 25th November 2010 states:– It is clear (from our investigations) that advertising in newspapers can play a key role in facilitating the exploitation of trafficked victims. The adverts in question often purport to be massage parlours, saunas or escort agencies, but are in reality a front for criminal networks to advertise trafficked victims for sexual services. Consequently it is vital that we tackle this area as part of our overarching strategy to reduce trafficking in London.

This is why we want to see an end to advertising in this way! As a newspaper editor you have a huge responsibility in terms of the adverts that you allow to be placed in your newspaper.

Please help us see an end to modern day slavery by ‘cutting out’ these types of adverts. We ask that you don’t plead ignorance when it comes to something as important as this. Please do your bit to improve the lives of those trapped in human trafficking for sexual exploitation.

I will await your response to this matter with great anticipation.

Yours faithfully, [insert your name]