Centering Sex Workers’ Voices in Law and Social Policy

Abstract

Introduction Research shows criminal code laws negatively affect the health and safety of sex workers and hinders their ability to access protective and other services. Less is known about sex workers' views on how to improve their occupational and broader social rights. This paper aims to help fill in this knowledge gap. Methods In 2017, a cross-section of active sex workers (N = 60) from Victoria, Canada, were interviewed about their personal and work lives under Canada's 2014 criminal code law, Bill C-36, the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act (PCEPA). Thematic analysis was carried out using the participants' (n = 57) who answered these two open-ended questions: What changes are needed to improve health, safety and rights for sex workers? What would be your dream list of services sex workers need right now? Results Participants recommended elimination of Canada's criminal code law governing consensual sex work, and policy change in two main areas: (1) occupational health and safety and (2) access to non-judgmental protective, health, and other community services. Conclusion Sex workers are an important source of insight regarding the unintended consequences of the PCEPA and its stated commitment to improve their safety and ensure the protection of their occupational and social rights. Policy Implications Consensual adult sexual commerce should be decriminalized and governed by health and social welfare policies, just as other service jobs.

PrEP acceptability and initiation among women engaged in sex work in Uganda: Implications for HIV prevention

“…Consistent with other researchers and advocates, we believe that it is critical to incorporate women themselves into the study team and policy and to practice initiatives to devise how best to ensure PrEP initiation specifically, and HIV prevention initiatives more generally. 17,34 Findings reinforce the need to create easy yet confidential access to PrEP with ongoing medical support in conjunction with structural-level efforts to destigmatize PrEP use by integrating positive messaging into health promotion campaigns for women and their families. This should be augmented by efforts to build community strengths and assets/resources among WESW, which have proven most effective globally.…”

Sex‐positive criminology: Possibilities for legal and social change

“…As mentioned earlier, experts and organizations interested in harm reduction for sex workers recommend the decriminalization of commercial sex as part of a web of support which would ideally include sex-positive activism and education, community organizing, and harm reduction-focused social support services designed to reduce stigma and increase positive health outcomes (Benoit et al, 2021;Blunt & Wolf, 2020;Dasgupta & Sinha, 2021;Vanwesenbeeck, 2017;Wodda & Bhat, 2020). Decriminalization of commercial sex reinforces harm reduction efforts more effectively than other legal frameworks (including legalization and the "Nordic Model, " which decriminalizes the sale of sex but criminalizes its purchase).…”

“…This and other studies demonstrate that decriminalization alone does not assure freedom from harm-as one scholar puts it, "Decriminalization is an important first step, but in itself not enough" (Vanwesenbeeck, 2017(Vanwesenbeeck, , p. 1638. Decriminalization of commercial sex is regarded by sex worker activists, public health scholars, criminologists, sociologists, medical professionals, and many others as the best way to protect those who sell sex; however, social stigma must be addressed, police abuse and corruption must be confronted, and strong social health supports must be strengthened and supported where they exist, and established where they do not yet exist (Benoit et al, 2021;Blunt & Wolf, 2020;Weitzer, 2018).…”

Decriminalization and What Else? Alternative Structural Interventions to Promote the Health, Safety, and Rights of Sex Workers

“…We also encouraged the submission of papers that centred the voices of sex workers in recommendations for positive change (Benoit et al 2018;Benoit and Unsworth 2021;Nussbaum 2003;Bungay et al 2011). Capturing the voices of people engaged in sex work and service providers in support organizations regarding strategies beyond law reform helps researchers ask better questions, obtain better answers, and potentially become more effective in realizing genuine improvements in the lives of one of society's most stigmatized and misunderstood groups (Anasti 2017;Benoit et al 2021b;Majic 2011Majic , 2014.…”