BBC1 Inside Out: The Merseyside Hate Crime Model of Policing Prostitution – Monday 21 Oct, 7.30pm

Inside Out - Merseyside model

The Merseyside hate crime model of policing prostitution leads the country. In these two BBC1 documentaries for Inside Out, writer Ruth Jacobs investigates why crimes against sex trade workers are going unpunished, clearly showing the urgency for the Merseyside model to be made UK wide to prevent more rapes and save lives, taking more rapists and murderers off the streets. The Association of Chief Police Officers recommended all forces adopt the hate crime model in their Strategy & Supporting Operational Guidance for Policing Prostitution and Sexual Exploitation in 2011 but as yet, no other force has taken this action.

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BBC1 Inside Out: Merseyside Model documentary – London version.

BBC1 Inside Out: Merseyside Model documentary – North West version.

As well as airing on BBC1 in the London and North West regions, the London and North West Inside Out documentaries can be watched across the UK on Sky channel 974 and Freesat 950 for London, and Sky 978 and Freesat 955 for the North West. The London edition is also on the BBC1 HD channel on Freeview across England and on Sky, Virgin and Freesat UK wide.

A shorter version on BBC News can be watched worldwide here.

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On BBC Radio Merseyside, Shelly Stoops, the first Independent Sexual Violence Advisor at Armistead Street Project, and Martin Fenerty, the current project manager, discuss the Merseyside hate crime model with Andy Ball (listen from 1:47 minutes).

On BBC London Radio, Ruth discusses the Merseyside model with Jo Good (listen from 1:29 minutes).

For more information on the Merseyside model click here.

Soul Destruction: Unforgivable – recent reviews & only 99p / $1.55 for a limited time

Soul Destruction Unforgivable High Res Border

“Unforgivable, Unputdownable. Great characters you will walk beside from page one. Great story you will not want to end.”

Sheila Quigley author of The Seahills series and The Holy Island trilogy.

5.0 out of 5 stars Draws you in and won’t let you go – Martin Crosbie

The writing is sharp and intelligent but it’s the storytelling that kept me reading. The author knows how to tell a story and knows how to tell it accurately. Soul Destruction deals with uncomfortable topics in a respectful and thought-provoking manner. The only criticism I had was that I wanted to know more. I had so much invested in these characters that I really didn’t want to leave them alone, and to me that’s the mark of a very good book. When I wasn’t reading it I looked forward to getting back to it, and when it was over I was very disappointed.

I’m very glad to hear there may be more coming with the same characters. Highly recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Belle de Jour – Miss Y. Maxwell “Ms M”

Ruth’s own experience and knowledge of the subject matters shows through, as does her respect and compassion for the characters. As I say, it’s no Belle de Jour. It shows another side of the sex work. Although these women are ‘high class,’ they are only one fix away from ending up on the streets. Although they are sex workers, that is not the focus and very little is shown of their work. It’s focus is on Shelley and her descent into addiction as she struggles to retain a grip on reality. These women have had bad knocks, but they are fighters, especially Shelley and Nicole. The world is one many will never see, but the author shows it and the humanity as well as they hurt and anger of the main characters .

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, heart-breaking and hopeful – Trista Hendren

This is a fascinating read of a world that remains unfamiliar to many women. What I liked the most about this book was how the author wrote her characters with such love – they were likeable women in an industry that is despised by many – addictions and all. I came away with a better understanding of prostitution and a stronger resolve to work towards a better world for ALL women.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very insightful read  Kacie

This was a really fascinating insight into the life of an addict and a prostitute. It’s narrated like she might be one of your girlfriends, making the story very relate-able and therefore it hits home a little harder and challenges any previously held judgments or prejudices. A great read!

5.0 out of 5 stars A compelling novel about prostitution and addiction – G. Polley

If you’re looking for a pleasant sort of read, Ruth Jacobs “Unforgivable” is not it. Honest books about the world of prostitution, drugs and addiction show what the life is really about, and it is not in any way a pretty one. Her novel about Shelley and her friends is chilling, lonely, and radically disconnecting. As I know from my own experience of active alcohol addiction, and from the subsequent work that I did with addicts, her novel presents a very clear picture of the world addicts and prostitutes live in.

I found the novel very difficult to read as I followed the lives of Shelley and her friends as their world shrinks around them, for Shelley shrinking to the point that it fits her like shrink wrap. Heroin is a very jealous lover that she won’t break free of until she gets help. Does she? That part of the story is not clear; again, that’s the world we addicts live in until, accepting help, we walk away from it.

I recommend this fine novel without reservation for everyone to read. Keep a box or two of tissues handy, because you’ll need them. Thank you, Ruth Jacobs, for writing and publishing this.

5.0 out of 5 stars Unforgivable is Unforgettable – Michelle

Ruth Jacobs invites you into a world that is not known to most of us, from the first page you are quickly gripped as the main character, Shelley Hansard, finds herself in a hotel room with a motionless body next to her. This thriller is intense, dark, full of mystery and suspense and at times quite funny.

Although a work of fiction, the writer has done a fantastic job of giving a truthful insight into the very real world of prostitution and the life of a call girl.

Graphic in some parts where you get a real sense of the trials and tribulations faced by the main character. A very insightful piece of writing and a must read.

Soul Destruction: Unforgivable can be downloaded for 99p on Kindle from Amazon UK and $1.55 from Amazon US.

Also available in e-book from Caffeine Nights (£1.95), in paperback from Caffeine Nights (£6.99), Amazon UK (£8.99) and Amazon US ($13.47).

The first three chapters can be read and downloaded here.

Brit Grit Alley – Ruth Jacobs interviewed by Paul D. Brazill

Out of the Gutter

Published on Out of the Gutter Online – 10 July 2013

Brit Grit Alley features news and updates on what’s happening down British crime fiction’s booze and blood soaked alleyways. Read the interview here.