Fiona Broadfoot and two others, who were ‘groomed into prostitution’ as teenagers, have won a landmark High Court battle which means they no longer have to tell future employers about their ‘soliciting’
Women win victory: disclosure of criminal records is disproportionate, a breach to right to private life and UNLAWFUL! @centreWJ Another win for @HWistrich and a long hard battle won by the amazing Fiona Broadfoot and other women. pic.twitter.com/deK58wPvYo
— nia (@nia_endingVAWG) March 2, 2018
In the interview, Fiona recalls her experience: “I thought violent sex was normal sex. I saw men who would start off wanting a very basic sex act, to wanting some extreme weird sexual perversion.”
This abuse as a child left Fiona with eight pages of convictions, accessible to employers.
But Fiona and two others have won their battle with the High Court for women like them. No longer will employers be able to see their convictions for soliciting.
“I’m not a prude or a moralist, I just believe in decency” she said. “I believe in treating another human being with decency.”
Fiona Broadfoot was groomed into prostitution at the age of 15. She and two others have won a High Court battle which means they will not have to tell future employers about their soliciting #r4today pic.twitter.com/O015NvAdzO
— BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) 9 March 2018
#r4today Totally brilliant interview. What an outstanding person, and mother, Ms Broadfoot is. Her son is total credit to her. She highlighted the unintended consequences of a cruel, often daft, legal system that punishes the victim. The Legal system is pathetic & needs reform.
— Richy Dee (@RichyDee) 9 March 2018
If you've been affected by Fiona's story, or would like to talk to someone, you can find a professional near you using Counselling Directory.
If you need immediate help, you can call Samaritans for free on 116 123 - available 24/7, this service is anonymous and completely confidential.
Photo credit | Express and Star / Victoria Jones