Have you ever noticed that condoms come in different colours, flavours, textures, and materials? Consider the plethora of shapes, sizes, as well as other enhancements such as lubricants, spermicides and so on. Not to forget existence of female condoms and dental dams. Condom manufacturers are not stopping there either. It is reported that durex will be launching condoms with a Viagra® -like substance to curb condom induced erectile dysfunction (Huffington Post, 2011). With so many options, there is surely a condom for everyone. Like many other things in life, we need to give a couple a whirl before deciding on which styles work best to protect from numerous infections including HIV; as well as keeping our lives fun and interesting.
Condoms have not always come in an array of shapes and sizes. In fact, people from generations before us did not have as many options as people in contemporary society do. There is evidence to suggest the first protective sheaths were developed as early as 100-BC. (Avert, 2011). Debate on which civilization developed the concept is still out there. Historians, anthropologists and health scientists have witnessed condom-like material from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and some parts of Asia. Early condoms were made out of linen, silk paper, shells and other materials. Rather difficult to imagine what that would have been like eh?
Europe experienced a surge in new syphilis infections around the 1500’s that helped put condoms on the map. Gabrielle Fallopius is credited for publishing the first article confirming the protective properties of linen condoms. It was also around this time that they discovered proper use of condoms could indeed prevent pregnancy (Avert, 2011). One could argue the first condom enhancements took place at this time as well. Scientists learned dipping condoms in some chemicals could kill sperm- this further enhanced the protective characteristics of condoms. By the late 1700’s hand made condoms thrived. Some pharmacies took the initiative to raise condom awareness through advertisements and handbills.
Condoms of the rubber sort did not emerge till about the 1800’s, Goodyear and his partner- yes the tire guys; developed a process that could turn rubber into a stretchy elastic substance (lovepanky, 2011). This made it easy for manufactures to make condoms using a hand dipping process. Rubber cement condoms however aged quickly and were known to break. So in 1919 Frederick Killian decided to try latex instead of rubber. This actually worked well. In addition to making them stronger, he was able to rid them of the strong, unpleasant rubber scent. Creature comforts we take for granted today such as lubricant were added to condoms in by 1957 by durex (Avert, 2011).
Since then condom enhancements have occurred left-right and center. Examples include the introduction of female condoms in 1992 (Avert, 2011). It is also around the same time color and flavor was added to the mix. Other materials such as polyurethane for individuals with allergies or different preference were launched. It should be stressed however that not all condoms protect against HIV and some STI’s. Be sure to carefully read the label and contact a sexual health center or AIDS service organization should you have any doubts, questions and or concerns. If everything checks out; let the sparks fly!
References
‘Viagra Condom’ Durex CSD500 Coming to Europe. (2011, August 5). Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/09/viagra-condom-durex-csd500-_n_859640.html
Condoms: Effectiveness, History and Availability. (2011). Retrieved October 3, 2011, from http://www.avert.org/condoms.htm
Facts About Condoms. (2011) Retrieved October 3, 2011 from http://www.lovepanky.com/sensual-tease/sizzle/facts-about-condoms
This article was written by AIDS Calgary’s Outreach worker. Retrieved from the A Word on Thursday, December 22, 2011.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Human Trafficking & Sex Work: What’s the Difference?
Although the terms human trafficking and sex work are often used interchangeably, there is actually a difference between the two. It is valuable to know the difference between sex work and trafficking so that we can understand & address the very real issues surrounding human trafficking and debunk the myths that surround this subject.
First, let’s look at what trafficking is. According to the UN’s definition, trafficking in persons “shall mean the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation shall include, at a minimum, the exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs.”
What’s all that mean? It means that for trafficking to occur, three parts must be included: A process of recruitment (transporting, harbouring, or receiving a person as example), a method in which that is done (threats, abduction, fraud etc) for a goal (forced labour, sexual exploitation, servitude etc).
Now, let’s look at what sex work is. We use the term sex work and sex worker as an umbrella term for any adult involved in the sex industry exchanging sexual services for money or other goods. This could include people who work as escorts, on street level, dance, webcam, in massage or many other areas. It is important to understand the sex work is referring to sexual exchange of services by adults in which consent occurs for all those involved. Therein exists one of the many differences between trafficking and sex work. Sex work does not include a process of recruitment by coercion to meet an exploitative end goal for one of the parties involved. Individuals involved in sex work negotiate what services will be performed and
for what fee.
The fact that the difference between sex work and human trafficking is in the power of choice that is involved is not the only myth that exists around this topic. A second myth is that trafficking doesn’t occur in Canada. Domestic trafficking involves the exploitation of residents of the country. According to the Action Coalition on Human Trafficking (ACT), in Canada it is disproportionally Aboriginal youth and women who fall victim to human trafficking within the country.
Another myth surrounds the idea of transportation. Although trafficking seems to imply that a trafficked person is being transported across counties or other kinds of boarders, according to the ACT, most exploitation takes place close to home. Data show intra-regional and domestic trafficking are the major forms of trafficking in persons. (UNODC Report). To add to that, trafficking does not always mean that a person is being transported from one place to another. If all those three categories are present (a process, a method & a goal) without the transfer of a person, trafficking still occurs.
A third myth about human trafficking is that it only for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Human trafficking for labour does also exists, although it is largely underreported and there is less data on the topic.
Although it is important to understand that sexual human trafficking does exist, it is imperative that we understand that not every person involved in the sex industry is experiencing human trafficking, and that in fact human trafficking and sex work are two very different things.
Action Coalition on Human Trafficking
http://www.actalberta.org/about-human-trafficking/
First, let’s look at what trafficking is. According to the UN’s definition, trafficking in persons “shall mean the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation shall include, at a minimum, the exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs.”
What’s all that mean? It means that for trafficking to occur, three parts must be included: A process of recruitment (transporting, harbouring, or receiving a person as example), a method in which that is done (threats, abduction, fraud etc) for a goal (forced labour, sexual exploitation, servitude etc).
Now, let’s look at what sex work is. We use the term sex work and sex worker as an umbrella term for any adult involved in the sex industry exchanging sexual services for money or other goods. This could include people who work as escorts, on street level, dance, webcam, in massage or many other areas. It is important to understand the sex work is referring to sexual exchange of services by adults in which consent occurs for all those involved. Therein exists one of the many differences between trafficking and sex work. Sex work does not include a process of recruitment by coercion to meet an exploitative end goal for one of the parties involved. Individuals involved in sex work negotiate what services will be performed and
for what fee.
The fact that the difference between sex work and human trafficking is in the power of choice that is involved is not the only myth that exists around this topic. A second myth is that trafficking doesn’t occur in Canada. Domestic trafficking involves the exploitation of residents of the country. According to the Action Coalition on Human Trafficking (ACT), in Canada it is disproportionally Aboriginal youth and women who fall victim to human trafficking within the country.
Another myth surrounds the idea of transportation. Although trafficking seems to imply that a trafficked person is being transported across counties or other kinds of boarders, according to the ACT, most exploitation takes place close to home. Data show intra-regional and domestic trafficking are the major forms of trafficking in persons. (UNODC Report). To add to that, trafficking does not always mean that a person is being transported from one place to another. If all those three categories are present (a process, a method & a goal) without the transfer of a person, trafficking still occurs.
A third myth about human trafficking is that it only for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Human trafficking for labour does also exists, although it is largely underreported and there is less data on the topic.
Although it is important to understand that sexual human trafficking does exist, it is imperative that we understand that not every person involved in the sex industry is experiencing human trafficking, and that in fact human trafficking and sex work are two very different things.
Action Coalition on Human Trafficking
http://www.actalberta.org/about-human-trafficking/
Friday, February 24, 2012
International Sex Workers' Rights Day
March 3rd is the International Sex Workers’ Rights Day. This event originally began in India when thousands of sex workers gathered at a sex worker festival. At the time, the members of this group wanted people to realize that sex workers in developing countries are no different from ones in developed countries. Sex workers in this group wanted their voices to be heard and their rights to be respected. Since that event, sex worker groups around the world began to mark that day, naming it the International Sex Workers’ Rights Day. Shift understands the importance of sex workers’ rights, and advocates for a human rights based approach for people in the sex industry. Shift has annually observed March 3rd as a way to honour the rights of sex workers everywhere.
This year Shift is marking International Sex Workers’ Rights’Day by hosting an afternoon Tea & a Toast to the Do you know what I mean? Photovoice Project on March 2nd. Do you know what I mean? was a research project involving women with lived experience, the University of Calgary and the United Way of Calgary to raise awareness on the issues faced by sex workers through the use of audio and visual mediums.
Everyone is welcome to attend this free open house to honour these striking and powerful stories. The exhibit will remain on display March 2nd to the 16th, Mondays to Fridays between the hours of 9am-noon and 2-4pm.
If you would like more information please click on the poster image to the right or contact Shift: (403) 237-8171 or info@shiftcalgary.org
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Rename to Reframe: The Bad Date Sheet
The purpose of the Bad Date Sheet is for sex workers to communicate with other sex workers about bad experiences they have had and to help protect each other from these “bad dates”. These sheets include information such as a description of the vehicle, events that occurred, a description of the “date”, and when/where the bad date took place. This information can help workers identify potentially dangerous situations before they can happen again.
In Canada the first Bad Date Sheet was published in Vancouver in the 1980’s and is now widely distributed in most major cities through health services agencies as well as social services agencies. In Calgary, the Bad Date Sheet is updated and distributed by Shift.
Reports are confidential and anonymous and can be made to Shift, Safeworks or other mobile outreach vans. Shift has an online reporting form on their website http://www.shiftcalgary.org/Bad_Date_Reporting_Form.html as well as a hotline number (403) 237- 8171.
If you would like to be on the distribution list for the Bad Date Sheet, please contact us with your email to be added to the list.
Shift has a Red Umbrella Challenge around the Bad Date Sheet!
Many people don’t believe that the name “bad date” accurately depicts what occurs when sex workers experience violence, abuse, robbery or other violations on a “bad date”. Shift is hosting a challenge to rename the bad date sheet. Participants will submit, through email or in person, their suggestion for a new name. The winner will be selected by a panel at the end of February. They will be looking for a name that’s recognizable, memorable and depicts what occurs. Now that’s a challenge!
Give us your new suggested name for the Bad Date Sheet, plus your name & preferred contact information through:
Email: info@shiftcalgary.org
Phone: 403. 237-8171
In person: Drop in Box
Keep checking in with us for updates on this and other Red Umbrella Challenges to come!!
In Canada the first Bad Date Sheet was published in Vancouver in the 1980’s and is now widely distributed in most major cities through health services agencies as well as social services agencies. In Calgary, the Bad Date Sheet is updated and distributed by Shift.
Reports are confidential and anonymous and can be made to Shift, Safeworks or other mobile outreach vans. Shift has an online reporting form on their website http://www.shiftcalgary.org/Bad_Date_Reporting_Form.html as well as a hotline number (403) 237- 8171.
If you would like to be on the distribution list for the Bad Date Sheet, please contact us with your email to be added to the list.
Shift has a Red Umbrella Challenge around the Bad Date Sheet!
Many people don’t believe that the name “bad date” accurately depicts what occurs when sex workers experience violence, abuse, robbery or other violations on a “bad date”. Shift is hosting a challenge to rename the bad date sheet. Participants will submit, through email or in person, their suggestion for a new name. The winner will be selected by a panel at the end of February. They will be looking for a name that’s recognizable, memorable and depicts what occurs. Now that’s a challenge!
Give us your new suggested name for the Bad Date Sheet, plus your name & preferred contact information through:
Email: info@shiftcalgary.org
Phone: 403. 237-8171
In person: Drop in Box
Keep checking in with us for updates on this and other Red Umbrella Challenges to come!!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
No Glove, No Movie?
Last week, in a near-unanimous 9–1 vote, Los Angeles City Council members voted in a new city ordinance which requires adult film actors to wear condoms while performing in films.
This news came as a victory to Michael Weinstein, president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which has been the driving force in bringing this issue forward. The foundation has been aggressively seeking changes in an effort to protect the occupational health and safety of workers in the adult film industry. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation collected over 60,000 signatures of support from local residents, which allowed the law to be approved by council without being put to a special city vote. The new law requires mandatory condom use by performers in order to be granted a filming permit in Los Angeles. Porn producers who do not comply with the regulations will be required to pay a fee and the rule will be enforced by surprise inspections of filming sites.
The ruling is expected to have a significant impact on the multi-billion dollar porn industry concentrated in this area: It is estimated that 90% of all legally distributed pornographic films made in the United States are either filmed or produced by studios based in the San Fernando Valley. The San Fernando Valley has often been referred to as “Porn Valley” and nearly 2/3 of the area is under the jurisdiction of the City of Los Angeles.
In a response to the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s and the deaths of prominent adult film actors such as John Holmes, the Adult Industry Medical Health Care Foundation created a system for regular testing among performers. Adult film industry actors are currently tested for HIV, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhea every 30 days, and Hepatitis, Syphilis, and the Herpes Simplex Virus annually. Many critics argue that this approach to testing is not sufficient as it does not offer any real protection against infection, only the ability to learn of a diagnosis quickly.
The American adult film industry has been hit with a number of small outbreaks of HIV among adult film actors since the inception of the regular testing policies. The majority of these outbreaks began with a single male actor and resulted in several of their female partners also testing positive. While HIV transmission has been relatively low among adult film performers, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise. Untreated STIs can lead to a substantially increased risk of contracting HIV during unprotected sexual contact with an HIV+ partner.
Statistics from the Los Angeles Country Department of Public Health illustrated a sharp increase in the number of sexually transmitted infections experienced by adult film actors during the years 2000-2008. In the period of April 2004 – March 2008, there were a reported 2,847 STIs among 1,884 adult film performers in Los Angeles County. Women represented 70% of these cases, with 15% having experienced 4 or more infections within a 12 month period. The overrepresentation of women is largely thought to be the result of the high female-to-male ratio of performers in the industry, and the physical susceptibility of women for contracting various kinds of infections through riskier and prolonged sexual activities.
Critics and representatives of the Adult Film Industry feel that mandatory condom use will have a significant impact on the profitability of their films. They report that viewers of adult entertainment will find condoms to be a disruption of the fantasies that these films aim to create. In an interview last Wednesday with the New York Daily News, veteran adult film actor Ron Jeremy stated: "Performers don't mind wearing rubbers, but viewers don't want to see it. It ruins the fantasy". Others challenge the new requirements by stating that condom use in the industry should be the choice of consenting adults and not an issue for the government.
Where should we draw the line between an employer’s duty to ensure occupational health and safety and the government’s involvement in consenting sexual activities? Does condom use diminish the fantasy of adult films, or is their use a powerful reinforcement of safer-sex social norms? The answers to these questions remain to be seen as industry executives are faced with the decision to comply with the new rules or set up operations in another jurisdiction.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2012/01/21/HIV_Advocate_Pushes_Mandated_Condom_Use_in_Porn/
http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/ron-jeremy-exclusive-condom-law-a-wrap-porn-industry-a-article-1.1008562?localLinksEnabled=false
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/01/condoms-porn-aids-la-county.html
http://articles.latimes.com/2012/jan/18/local/la-me-0118-porn-condoms-20120118
https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.documentcloud.org/documents/262811/col-porn-ladph-study.pdf
This blog was originally posted on AIDS Calgary’s The A Word on February 2, 2012. Check out the A Word at http://aidscalgary.blogspot.com/
This news came as a victory to Michael Weinstein, president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which has been the driving force in bringing this issue forward. The foundation has been aggressively seeking changes in an effort to protect the occupational health and safety of workers in the adult film industry. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation collected over 60,000 signatures of support from local residents, which allowed the law to be approved by council without being put to a special city vote. The new law requires mandatory condom use by performers in order to be granted a filming permit in Los Angeles. Porn producers who do not comply with the regulations will be required to pay a fee and the rule will be enforced by surprise inspections of filming sites.
The ruling is expected to have a significant impact on the multi-billion dollar porn industry concentrated in this area: It is estimated that 90% of all legally distributed pornographic films made in the United States are either filmed or produced by studios based in the San Fernando Valley. The San Fernando Valley has often been referred to as “Porn Valley” and nearly 2/3 of the area is under the jurisdiction of the City of Los Angeles.
In a response to the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s and the deaths of prominent adult film actors such as John Holmes, the Adult Industry Medical Health Care Foundation created a system for regular testing among performers. Adult film industry actors are currently tested for HIV, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhea every 30 days, and Hepatitis, Syphilis, and the Herpes Simplex Virus annually. Many critics argue that this approach to testing is not sufficient as it does not offer any real protection against infection, only the ability to learn of a diagnosis quickly.
The American adult film industry has been hit with a number of small outbreaks of HIV among adult film actors since the inception of the regular testing policies. The majority of these outbreaks began with a single male actor and resulted in several of their female partners also testing positive. While HIV transmission has been relatively low among adult film performers, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise. Untreated STIs can lead to a substantially increased risk of contracting HIV during unprotected sexual contact with an HIV+ partner.
Statistics from the Los Angeles Country Department of Public Health illustrated a sharp increase in the number of sexually transmitted infections experienced by adult film actors during the years 2000-2008. In the period of April 2004 – March 2008, there were a reported 2,847 STIs among 1,884 adult film performers in Los Angeles County. Women represented 70% of these cases, with 15% having experienced 4 or more infections within a 12 month period. The overrepresentation of women is largely thought to be the result of the high female-to-male ratio of performers in the industry, and the physical susceptibility of women for contracting various kinds of infections through riskier and prolonged sexual activities.
Critics and representatives of the Adult Film Industry feel that mandatory condom use will have a significant impact on the profitability of their films. They report that viewers of adult entertainment will find condoms to be a disruption of the fantasies that these films aim to create. In an interview last Wednesday with the New York Daily News, veteran adult film actor Ron Jeremy stated: "Performers don't mind wearing rubbers, but viewers don't want to see it. It ruins the fantasy". Others challenge the new requirements by stating that condom use in the industry should be the choice of consenting adults and not an issue for the government.
Where should we draw the line between an employer’s duty to ensure occupational health and safety and the government’s involvement in consenting sexual activities? Does condom use diminish the fantasy of adult films, or is their use a powerful reinforcement of safer-sex social norms? The answers to these questions remain to be seen as industry executives are faced with the decision to comply with the new rules or set up operations in another jurisdiction.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2012/01/21/HIV_Advocate_Pushes_Mandated_Condom_Use_in_Porn/
http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/ron-jeremy-exclusive-condom-law-a-wrap-porn-industry-a-article-1.1008562?localLinksEnabled=false
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/01/condoms-porn-aids-la-county.html
http://articles.latimes.com/2012/jan/18/local/la-me-0118-porn-condoms-20120118
https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.documentcloud.org/documents/262811/col-porn-ladph-study.pdf
This blog was originally posted on AIDS Calgary’s The A Word on February 2, 2012. Check out the A Word at http://aidscalgary.blogspot.com/
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Survival Sex Work
The language used around something or someone frames the way in which we understand it. Recently I was reading an online discussion around the term “survival sex work.” I found the discussion around the terminology of survival sex work brought up a lot of interesting and insightful reflections which highlights the diversity of the experience of people involved in sex work and the way in which those experiences are understood.
What is “survival sex work”?
The term refers to individuals who are engaging in sex work due to outside circumstances. In other words, survival sex workers are not engaging in sex work of their own volition but out of environmental factors & need that could be related to poverty, addictions or mental health concerns as example. There is a sense of vulnerability related to survival sex work because those involved may have an increase chance that they will take risks to obtain and maintain clients. As example, when faced with poverty the opportunity for a sex worker to negotiate safer sex is diminished –have sex without a condom or risk losing the date and not be able to pay rent. A sex worker who isn’t involved in survival sex work could say “no” to sex without a condom because he/she wouldn’t risk losing housing. Having said all that, it is important to be clear about the difference between survival sex work and sexual exploitation. A person may experience sexual exploitation if she or he is being forced into sex work without their consent and do not have control or choice over their work, earnings, services provided etc.
What is really interesting in this conversation is that it highlights the diversity of the experience of people involved in sex work
Why is the term “survival sex work” controversial?
There are always challenges that arsis when we begin to put a label on a group of people because it boxes the experiences of many into one, singular reality. Labels also stigmatize those who fall under them. The term survival sex work creates the image of a victim, helpless and not in control. The label of “survival sex worker”, then, can take away the power and the voice of those involved.
Some argue not to use the term survival sex worker. People who fall under this category state that those involved in the supposed “survival sex work” should not be named as “sex workers” as sex work is about the consensual exchange of sexual services for money or goods. Those that argue this point might assert that if outside circumstances are influencing the sex worker, it is no longer consensual and no longer sex work. Others argue that the term is loaded with stigma and infers that sex work is harmful and damaging, when in fact it is not the sex work that is harmful for survival sex workers but the circumstances. As well, some people maintain that the term is redundant as regardless of the motivating facts, survival sex work is still work and should be understood in the same way as sex work.
On the other side, some people reason that it is important to have the term survival sex worker to fully understand the unique experiences and vulnerabilities of survival sex workers so that those involved can be understood & supported. As well, sex work is often seen by the outside community as one blanket experience where all involved are vulnerable. The term can help people understand that survival sex work is one experience of many in the sex industry.
It is valuable to explore and reflect on the language used to describe those involved in sex work and how that shapes our understanding. Most importantly, it is our language that ultimately impacts people, people who have a diverse experiences and diverse needs. Whatever words are used, they should always reflect and represent the person.
What is “survival sex work”?
The term refers to individuals who are engaging in sex work due to outside circumstances. In other words, survival sex workers are not engaging in sex work of their own volition but out of environmental factors & need that could be related to poverty, addictions or mental health concerns as example. There is a sense of vulnerability related to survival sex work because those involved may have an increase chance that they will take risks to obtain and maintain clients. As example, when faced with poverty the opportunity for a sex worker to negotiate safer sex is diminished –have sex without a condom or risk losing the date and not be able to pay rent. A sex worker who isn’t involved in survival sex work could say “no” to sex without a condom because he/she wouldn’t risk losing housing. Having said all that, it is important to be clear about the difference between survival sex work and sexual exploitation. A person may experience sexual exploitation if she or he is being forced into sex work without their consent and do not have control or choice over their work, earnings, services provided etc.
What is really interesting in this conversation is that it highlights the diversity of the experience of people involved in sex work
Why is the term “survival sex work” controversial?
There are always challenges that arsis when we begin to put a label on a group of people because it boxes the experiences of many into one, singular reality. Labels also stigmatize those who fall under them. The term survival sex work creates the image of a victim, helpless and not in control. The label of “survival sex worker”, then, can take away the power and the voice of those involved.
Some argue not to use the term survival sex worker. People who fall under this category state that those involved in the supposed “survival sex work” should not be named as “sex workers” as sex work is about the consensual exchange of sexual services for money or goods. Those that argue this point might assert that if outside circumstances are influencing the sex worker, it is no longer consensual and no longer sex work. Others argue that the term is loaded with stigma and infers that sex work is harmful and damaging, when in fact it is not the sex work that is harmful for survival sex workers but the circumstances. As well, some people maintain that the term is redundant as regardless of the motivating facts, survival sex work is still work and should be understood in the same way as sex work.
On the other side, some people reason that it is important to have the term survival sex worker to fully understand the unique experiences and vulnerabilities of survival sex workers so that those involved can be understood & supported. As well, sex work is often seen by the outside community as one blanket experience where all involved are vulnerable. The term can help people understand that survival sex work is one experience of many in the sex industry.
It is valuable to explore and reflect on the language used to describe those involved in sex work and how that shapes our understanding. Most importantly, it is our language that ultimately impacts people, people who have a diverse experiences and diverse needs. Whatever words are used, they should always reflect and represent the person.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Criminalization & Violence
Shift recently published a position statement in support of decriminalization of sex work. Decriminalization is an important issue for those involved in sex work because of the connection between criminalization & violence. Criminalization transforms behaviors and individuals into crimes and criminals. In the area of sex work, criminalization pushes sex workers to the margins of society, increasing their vulnerability to violence in their work.
The most commonly discussed consequence of criminalization is connected to Canada’s prostitution laws. With Canada’s current laws, sex workers can’t negotiate openly, form collectives, hire receptionists, drivers or bodyguards for screening or protection and are unable to exchange sexual services in a safe working environment. Decriminalization of sex work would eliminate those laws, ensuring sex workers would have the power to negotiate & screen clients, surround themselves with people to increase safety, and work in locations they feel are safer. Boundary restrictions can also be a result of being criminalized, which can prevent workers from entering into certain areas of their town or city. These locations may be where sex workers live, work or access services thus impeding workers from living out their daily lives, accessing support or addressing their needs.
Further marginalization occurs because sex workers may be hesitant to report bad dates to the police for fear of being criminalized, making their identity known to police or if they have warrants for their arrest. This means that many acts of violence against sex workers are unreported and unaddressed by the authorities, creating an environment where perpetrators target sex workers because of this vulnerability.
Criminalization also perpetrates stigma & discrimination by fostering the image of workers as being criminals, corrupt, and devious. The result is that sex workers can often be seen as not being credible and their concerns about violence are not taken seriously. Some have argued that if sex workers do not wish to experience violence, they should just leave the industry. This is also an example of discrimination as it puts the blame on sex workers and implies that there is no other way to prevent the violence.
Criminalization can be used as an argument in favour of increasing safety in sex work, stating that the laws prevents people from entering into or staying in the sex trade. Within this argument, those involved in sex work are portrayed as victims that are in need of laws to help ‘save” them. Laws that put sex workers in the position of victim take away their voices, their power to make decisions around their bodies and work and their right to self-determination. This means that the regulation of sex work is not in the hands of sex workers themselves who know how to increase their safety, but in the hands of other institutions.
Criminalization further marginalizes those involved in the sex industry because it causes challenges for sex workers to fully integrate into society. As example, workers may feel disconnected by not being able to share their experiences with family or friends. Workers may be less likely to access formal or informal support, such as counseling, when dealing with the consequences of violence. Additionally, if a sex worker wishes to move away from an unsafe situation, he or she may have a difficult time obtaining alternative work as a criminal record closes off options.
Criminalization of sex workers’ clients is also not beneficial for sex workers. Taking away a workers’ consumer base only increases the chances that workers will take more risks to obtain and maintain clients. As well, criminalization of clients may reduce the chances that a client, or date, would report if they suspect a worker is experiencing exploitation.
For more information, please see the AIDS Calgary’s position statement in support of decriminalization of sex work; http://www.shiftcalgary.org/Past_Events.html
For more information on Canada’s prostitution laws, please check out our legal card; http://www.shiftcalgary.org/uploads/Legal_Card.pdf
The most commonly discussed consequence of criminalization is connected to Canada’s prostitution laws. With Canada’s current laws, sex workers can’t negotiate openly, form collectives, hire receptionists, drivers or bodyguards for screening or protection and are unable to exchange sexual services in a safe working environment. Decriminalization of sex work would eliminate those laws, ensuring sex workers would have the power to negotiate & screen clients, surround themselves with people to increase safety, and work in locations they feel are safer. Boundary restrictions can also be a result of being criminalized, which can prevent workers from entering into certain areas of their town or city. These locations may be where sex workers live, work or access services thus impeding workers from living out their daily lives, accessing support or addressing their needs.
Further marginalization occurs because sex workers may be hesitant to report bad dates to the police for fear of being criminalized, making their identity known to police or if they have warrants for their arrest. This means that many acts of violence against sex workers are unreported and unaddressed by the authorities, creating an environment where perpetrators target sex workers because of this vulnerability.
Criminalization also perpetrates stigma & discrimination by fostering the image of workers as being criminals, corrupt, and devious. The result is that sex workers can often be seen as not being credible and their concerns about violence are not taken seriously. Some have argued that if sex workers do not wish to experience violence, they should just leave the industry. This is also an example of discrimination as it puts the blame on sex workers and implies that there is no other way to prevent the violence.
Criminalization can be used as an argument in favour of increasing safety in sex work, stating that the laws prevents people from entering into or staying in the sex trade. Within this argument, those involved in sex work are portrayed as victims that are in need of laws to help ‘save” them. Laws that put sex workers in the position of victim take away their voices, their power to make decisions around their bodies and work and their right to self-determination. This means that the regulation of sex work is not in the hands of sex workers themselves who know how to increase their safety, but in the hands of other institutions.
Criminalization further marginalizes those involved in the sex industry because it causes challenges for sex workers to fully integrate into society. As example, workers may feel disconnected by not being able to share their experiences with family or friends. Workers may be less likely to access formal or informal support, such as counseling, when dealing with the consequences of violence. Additionally, if a sex worker wishes to move away from an unsafe situation, he or she may have a difficult time obtaining alternative work as a criminal record closes off options.
Criminalization of sex workers’ clients is also not beneficial for sex workers. Taking away a workers’ consumer base only increases the chances that workers will take more risks to obtain and maintain clients. As well, criminalization of clients may reduce the chances that a client, or date, would report if they suspect a worker is experiencing exploitation.
For more information, please see the AIDS Calgary’s position statement in support of decriminalization of sex work; http://www.shiftcalgary.org/Past_Events.html
For more information on Canada’s prostitution laws, please check out our legal card; http://www.shiftcalgary.org/uploads/Legal_Card.pdf
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