‘First-of-its-kind’ report on B.C. sex workers outlines risks, calls for action | 24CA News
More than 200 B.C. intercourse staff have been surveyed for a report that outlines dangers and desires throughout the business.
Those surveyed mentioned they function throughout the Lower Mainland and Southern Vancouver Island.
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“This was a first-of-its-kind, 100 per cent experientially led, highly adaptable process in which the participants and researchers identified ways to meet needs and minimize risks for diverse sex workers,” mentioned Sylvia Machat, the report’s lead evaluator.
The report, titled By Us, For Us, was put collectively by a bunch of intercourse employee rights organizations working within the province.
Half of these surveyed mentioned they’ve difficulties paying for meals and round 75 per cent mentioned they stay with a incapacity.
Almost half of the intercourse staff mentioned they’re Indigenous and round 35 per cent mentioned they don’t have secure housing.
The report requires a sturdy and quick response from the federal government akin to the COVID-19 response or the overdose disaster.
“Sex workers with intersecting oppressions, such as living with disabilities, Indigenous background, gender minority identity, or being a person of colour, face unique needs and risks,” mentioned Spencer Johnston, Health Initiative for Men’s program supervisor.
“(They have) higher needs for mental health supports, and have specific care needs for Indigenous sex workers.
“Further, income and disability assistance rates need to be raised immediately to COVID-era support levels to reduce the added risks that people in poverty or living with disabilities are forced to take on to make ends meet.”
Officials additionally name for the decriminalization of intercourse work as conserving intercourse work unlawful pushes the business underground and makes it much less secure.
The report was developed by the Metro Vancouver Consortium, a rights-based and intercourse work-positive collaboration between a number of organizations and repair suppliers in B.C.
People can learn the whole report on-line.
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