Safety and women who sell or exchange sex
On July 2022 we held our second online event in our series exploring how different issues affect women who sell or exchange sex in Scotland. On this occasion, we looked at safety and how the issues of risk, harm and safety are integral to the lives of women selling and exchanging sex. The webinar was recorded and you can contact us to request the recording.
We looked at how women may have direct experience of the fear of physical and sexual violence; at the emotional violence that they can get from clients, partners, pimps and managers; other critical issues around women’s sexual health, such as sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies; and how systemic factors like racism, homophobia, having limited English language or being undocumented in the UK can further exacerbate this vulnerability and the harm that they have encountered.
The event featured two speakers from the sector, who shared their approaches to supporting women who sell or exchange sex and the types of safety issues women have faced in their experience.
Lastly, we invited attendees to look at a case study, identify the needs of the woman and discuss service responses. You can download the case study here.
If you wish to see the recording for this safety event, please get in touch. You can also find a list of our upcoming events here. And if you wish to be notified when registrations open, please subscribe to our bulletin.
We looked at how women may have direct experience of the fear of physical and sexual violence; at the emotional violence that they can get from clients, partners, pimps and managers; other critical issues around women’s sexual health, such as sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies; and how systemic factors like racism, homophobia, having limited English language or being undocumented in the UK can further exacerbate this vulnerability and the harm that they have encountered.
The event featured two speakers from the sector, who shared their approaches to supporting women who sell or exchange sex and the types of safety issues women have faced in their experience.
- Sally Hendry, a case management worker at Glasgow-based Routes Out talked about their approach to supporting women through evening services and a drop-in service, where women can access emotional and practical support such as safety information, referrals to relevant services, condoms, showers, bus tokens, etc. She highlighted some key principles in supporting women: creating a safe and non-judgmental space for women to work at their own pace, working closely with other services to meet her needs, and being aware of the woman's safety and talking to her about ways to reduce harm. You can contact the Routes Out team here.
- Sam McPherson, caseworker with National Ugly Mugs shared a case study looking at the intersectionality in sex work and the different ways to support sex workers who have experienced crime. Sam's case study focused on supporting a woman who had experienced online crime and doxing by sharing outcomes and tips on best practice including reducing the use of stigmatising language. The case study showed the importance of intelligence sharing and making use of NUMs checker tool and safety alerts to prevent crime and promote safety in sex industries alongside facilitating wellbeing and new opportunities. Sam encouraged practitioners to join NUM and shared information about their Glasgow-based wellbeing service and drop in. You can contact Sam here.
Lastly, we invited attendees to look at a case study, identify the needs of the woman and discuss service responses. You can download the case study here.
If you wish to see the recording for this safety event, please get in touch. You can also find a list of our upcoming events here. And if you wish to be notified when registrations open, please subscribe to our bulletin.
