"The Salvation Army has shamefully chosen to capitalise on stigma against sex workers in its advertising for their Shield door knock appeal.” said Elena Jeffreys, President of Scarlet Alliance, Australian Sex Workers Association. “This is a blatant use of the general community’s unease and misinformation about the sex industry and will further stigmatise sex workers.”

“The message in the advertisement falsely gives the impression that by donating you will be assisting the rescue of sex workers when this is a sensationalist use of one experience.” said Kelly a member of Scarlet Alliance. “The majority of sex workers do not need rescuing and the Salvation Army has not assisted sex workers when we have needed support instead they are using us to get donations.”

“Scarlet Alliance is calling for an immediate stop on the use of these advertisements and a public apology to sex workers by the Salvation Army.” said Elena Jeffreys. “Scarlet Alliance is willing to work in partnership with the Salvation Army to ensure this does not happen again.” said Elena Jeffreys.

NB the Salvation Army did apologise and withdrew the ad from circulation, for further news see: "Sex Workers Fire Salvo at Charity" Tim Brunero, LiveNews, 22 May 2009