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Sexuality Research and Social Policy

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24-04-2021

Centering Sex Workers’ Voices in Law and Social Policy

Authors: Cecilia Benoit, Róisín Unsworth, Priscilla Healey, Michaela Smith, Mikael Jansson

Published in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy | Issue 4/2021

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Abstract

Introduction

Research shows criminal code laws negatively affect the health and safety of sex workers and hinders their ability to access protective and other services. Less is known about sex workers’ views on how to improve their occupational and broader social rights. This paper aims to help fill in this knowledge gap.

Methods

In 2017, a cross-section of active sex workers (N = 60) from Victoria, Canada, were interviewed about their personal and work lives under Canada’s 2014 criminal code law, Bill C-36, the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act (PCEPA). Thematic analysis was carried out using the participants’ (n = 57) who answered these two open-ended questions: What changes are needed to improve health, safety and rights for sex workers? What would be your dream list of services sex workers need right now?

Results

Participants recommended elimination of Canada’s criminal code law governing consensual sex work, and policy change in two main areas: (1) occupational health and safety and (2) access to non-judgmental protective, health, and other community services.

Conclusion

Sex workers are an important source of insight regarding the unintended consequences of the PCEPA and its stated commitment to improve their safety and ensure the protection of their occupational and social rights.

Policy Implications

Consensual adult sexual commerce should be decriminalized and governed by health and social welfare policies, just as other service jobs.

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Title: Centering Sex Workers’ Voices in Law and Social Policy
Authors: Cecilia Benoit
Róisín Unsworth
Priscilla Healey
Michaela Smith
Mikael Jansson
Publication date: 24-04-2021
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy / Issue 4/2021
Print ISSN: 1868-9884
Electronic ISSN: 1553-6610
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-021-00576-9

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Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Policy Implications

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