Beyond Decriminalization: Sex-work, Human Rights and a New ...

BEYOND DECRIMINALIZATION: Sex Work, Human Rights and a New Framework for Law Reformchoose to engage in sex work, and that prostitution is a job that should be afforded the same respectand protections as other jobs. Some street-level sex workers value programs that assist street-involvedwomen to gain education and alternative employment, and felt that there should be increased fundingfor such programs. Street-level workers described how welfare rates are too low to live on, and peopleare becoming more desperate as a result. They described how the prices for their services were beingdriven down by competition, sometimes as low as $5 for sexual intercourse.Street-level workers described having absolutely no access to any form of security for old age, suchas a pension or a retirement savings plan. Many street-level sex workers said that they had no expectationof having any means to earn a living after the age of 55.Street-level sex work (men)Male participants described working conditions that have some similarities to those experiencedby female street-level workers. Like their female counterparts, male sex workers described differentlevels of the trade, some more visible than others. While some male sex workers reported attractingclients by standing on the street, others conduct their business through a network of contacts.SafetyLike the women we interviewed, male workers were very conscious of the dangers faced whenworking outdoors. Because of the criminal laws, they are secretive about their work. This secrecy andisolation increases the risk they face from predatory or violent clients. Male participants placed significantemphasis on their privacy and the privacy of their clients. Like the women, male workers statedthat they felt their work would be safer if it were legal to work indoors.One gender difference that emerged is that male workers described being able to rely on their physicalstrength to defend themselves against dangerous clients. Some male workers suggested that they encounterfewer violent clients than females because clients are aware that young men are more readily able to defendthemselves. This reliance on physical strength led male sex workers to express less fear of clients.Like female street-level workers, males experience frequent harassment and discrimination fromother citizens. Male workers reported being called names and having items thrown at them whileworking on the street. Male workers reported that clients, too, have fears about stigma, and postulatethat this would affect the willingness of clients to engage in preventative measures such as mandatorySTD/HIV testing.ServicesMale sex workers reported that they did not feel the government would be able to assist them withtheir safety concerns. They said that it has become more difficult to obtain welfare, and that lack ofaccess to social assistance has had adverse effects on them.Male workers claim that services for men are less readily available than those for women. Oneworker pointed to the need for peer-based services targeted at male sex workers. Some male workersdescribed the difficulties they face if they want to exit the sex industry. Options for those exitingprostitution were seen as limited. Male workers described a need for more training in a wider varietyof skills and trades. One participant explained that many of those who try to exit prostitution oftenwant to become peer or youth workers and work with those involved in the industry, because that iswhat they feel they know best.Physical and mental healthMale participants reported that their work can be difficult. The challenges result partly from therisk of dangerous clients and dangerous conditions, and partly from the emotional and psychologicaldifficulty of their work. One participant suggested that there should be publicly-funded counselling21