​​How to respond sensitively to women’s sexual health needs

• Understand that women may feel reluctant to discuss their sexual health because of underlying reasons such as trauma, sexual violence, stigma and shame and that it might take some time before they talk about those other issues.
• Recognise that women do their best to protect their health but at times this might not be possible – particularly due to pressure and coercion from pimps, clients and partners.
• Be aware that women might decide to continue selling sex even if they are experiencing health issues.
• Normalise talking about sexual health and create safe spaces for women to open up about their health and wellbeing.
• Provide accessible information about harm reduction services, such as testing and treatment for STIs, blood borne viruses and HIV, contraception, smear tests, sexual health check-ups, and period products.
• When discussing harm reduction services, always present different options and allow women to make their own choices.
• Identify what sexual health services are available and find ways to link women in – e.g. check if the local clinic can provide outreach visits to the women in your service.
• Advocate for women’s health and help reduce barriers – even if women have been open with you about their health concerns, they may feel apprehensive about talking to medical staff. Listen to their concerns and discuss ways in which women can express their health needs to health care providers.

Visit our sexual health resources page to find more information about things you can do to improve how you respond to women.