Decriminalisation of sex work protects human rights

Abel, Gillian

doi:10.1136/bmj.k3630

Cited by 7 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…Enacted stigma describes a fear of being treated unfairly by others due to these negative judgements, for instance being excluded from other forms of employment or rejected by friends and/or family. Sex workers are commonly defined as a stigmatised group and the stigma that sex workers manage is well documented in a range of legislative contexts (Abel, 2010; Benoit et al., 2015; Bruckert, 2012; Sallmann, 2010; Weitzer, 2017; Wong and Bingham, 2011).…”

Section: Sex-work Stigmamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…While estimates of the extent of violence vary between individual studies, research findings globally indicate that street-based sex workers experience more violence than those who work in indoor environments (Abel, 2010; Church et al., 2001). Findings on the prevalence of violence in street-based sex work vary significantly in their estimates, but suggest that between 50% and 100% of street-based sex workers have experienced violence while working (Kurtz et al., 2004; Nixon et al., 2002; Pauw and Brener, 2003; Pyett and Warr, 1997; Sanders and Campbell, 2007; Williamson and Folaron, 2001).…”

Section: Stigma Violence and The Criminalisation Of Street-based Sexmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Stigma, decriminalisation, and violence against street-based sex workers: Changing the narrative

Armstrong

2018

Sexualities

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It is well documented that sex workers manage risks in their work – such as the potential for violence and the multiple risks associated with stigma. While sex workers are commonly understood to be a stigmatised population, few studies have considered in depth how stigma operates in different legislative contexts, how it relates to sex-worker safety, and how it may be reduced. Stigma is understood to be exacerbated by the criminalisation of sex work, which defines sex workers as deviant others and consequently renders them more vulnerable to violence. However, as full decriminalisation of sex work is still relatively rare, there has been little in-depth exploration into the relationship between this legislative approach, risks of violence, and stigma. Drawing on the findings of in-depth interviews with street-based sex workers and sex-worker rights advocates, in this article I explore the links between stigma and violence, and discuss the challenges of reducing stigma associated with sex work in New Zealand, post-decriminalisation. I argue that while decriminalisation has undoubtedly benefited sex workers in New Zealand, stigma continues to have a negative impact – particularly for street-based sex workers. Decriminalisation should therefore be considered an essential starting point. However, ongoing work must focus on countering stigmatising narratives, to enable a safer society for all sex workers.

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Section: Sex-work Stigmamentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Stigma Violence and The Criminalisation Of Street-based Sexmentioning

confidence: 99%

Stigma, decriminalisation, and violence against street-based sex workers: Changing the narrative

Armstrong

2018

Sexualities

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“…Just over a decade ago, indoor private sex workers in New Zealand predominantly used the escort or classified sections of newspapers to advertise for clients (Abel, 2010). There was a uniformity in newspaper advertising.…”

Section: Embedding Social Status On Web Platformsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“You’re selling a brand”: Marketing commercial sex online

Abel

2021

Sexualities

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Sex work has undergone a change, with the rise of the internet economy with more ‘middle class’ sex workers coming into the industry. In this paper, I explore the social status hierarchy within online direct-contact commercial sex work in New Zealand. I draw on findings from an in-depth qualitative investigation of online sex work, undertaken between 2017 and 2018. I took a participatory approach, working closely with NZPC – Aotearoa New Zealand Sex Workers’ Collective to provide an understanding of two interrelated issues: the role web platforms play in shaping the social status of sex workers who advertise for clients online; and how sex workers brand and market themselves online. The findings suggest that sex workers strive to represent themselves as authentic in their marketing to enhance social status. Furthermore, the web platform on which over 90% of indoor sex workers in New Zealand advertise has embedded a status system among sex workers through the advertising packages they offer. Social status has thus become the most powerful marketing tool indoor direct-contact sex workers have to stand out from their competitors and attract sufficient clients to make a liveable income.

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“…Apartment prostitution takes place in a private apartment where services are offered by one or more persons. With this form of prostitution, the cost is greater, but hygiene and safety conditions are better, and the possibility of risky behaviours related to violence, drug use, and unprotected sexual relations is lower than in street prostitution (Abel, 2010; Abel et al, 2007; Cunningham and Shah, 2018; Krüsi et al, 2012; Weitzer, 2009). Research (Pajnik, 2008) shows that this form of prostitution is often characterized by an absence of pimp relationships and consequently an increased independence of sex workers.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sex Work in Slovenia: Assessing the Needs of Sex Workers

Markelj

Selan

Dolinar

et al. 2021

Sociological Research Online

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The research comprehensively identifies the needs and problems of sex workers in Slovenia from the point of view of three groups of actors in a decriminalized setting. The objective of the rapid needs assessment was to identify the needs of sex workers as perceived by themselves. In order to gain a deeper insight into this topic, we analyzed the functioning of the organizations working with the population, and examined the perspective of the clients. The results of the study show that no aid programmes have been developed for sex workers, even though organizations from various fields often come in contact with this population. Sex workers express the need to be informed about various topics (health, the law, legal advice) and emphasize client relations as the primary issue. The findings indicate the need for the development of a specialized aid programmes to address the fields of advocacy, reducing social distress and providing psychosocial assistance.

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Decriminalisation of sex work protects human rights

Cited by 7 publications

References 7 publications

Stigma, decriminalisation, and violence against street-based sex workers: Changing the narrative

Stigma, decriminalisation, and violence against street-based sex workers: Changing the narrative

“You’re selling a brand”: Marketing commercial sex online

Sex Work in Slovenia: Assessing the Needs of Sex Workers

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