Housing and women who sell or exchange sex
On May 2022 we held an online event for workers exploring the interconnections between housing and selling or exchanging sex. We looked at the key housing issues faced by women in Scotland, which might push them to sell or exchange sex (SES), remain while their involved, prevent them from exiting and can pull them back into this situation. The webinar was recorded and you can contact us to request the recording.
The event featured three speakers from the sector, who shared their approach to supporting women involved in SES and the type of housing issue the women have faced in their experience.
We finished the session with two practice case studies and discussion by attendees on identifying the specific needs of the women as well as suggestions on how to respond to those needs. You can download the case studies here.
If you wish to see the recording for this housing event, please get in touch. We have other events planned for the coming months looking at different areas of need relevant to women who sell or exchange sex. You can find a list of upcoming events here, and if you wish to be notified when registrations open, please subscribe to our bulletin.
The event featured three speakers from the sector, who shared their approach to supporting women involved in SES and the type of housing issue the women have faced in their experience.
- Sophie Gywther from the Dundee Violence Against Women Partnership discussed how substance misuse and homelessness are two of the main issues that women involved in SES experience in Dundee. As a result, Dundee has introduced a housing first model which prioritises giving women a stable home as quickly as possible. Sophie also shared the guidance on commercial sexual exploitation developed in Dundee.
- Jenna Lawrence from specialist service Vice Versa used the case of a woman who required emergency accommodation to explore what workers can do to sensitively respond to women who sell or exchange sex. You can listen to the full conversation with Jenna here.
- Erin Crombie of SAY Women joined us to share the perspective of the young women they support in Glasgow. She shared a case study looking at risk factors such as childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and discussed the need for ongoing support after women are placed in homeless accommodation. She used the example of the Tenancy Sustainment Service they offer for female survivors of CSA which supports women to rent their own flats whilst getting ongoing support. SAY Woman offer training for housing workers and other professionals.
We finished the session with two practice case studies and discussion by attendees on identifying the specific needs of the women as well as suggestions on how to respond to those needs. You can download the case studies here.
If you wish to see the recording for this housing event, please get in touch. We have other events planned for the coming months looking at different areas of need relevant to women who sell or exchange sex. You can find a list of upcoming events here, and if you wish to be notified when registrations open, please subscribe to our bulletin.
