Online consultation with sex workers about the impact of the new laws

Hello everyone ,

In June, various members of the Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform, lawyers (from PIVOT and the HIV/AIDS Legal Network), and academics (all supportive of sex workers' rights) will get together to discuss the new laws related to sex work. The goal is to share information about how the new laws are impacting sex workers, and what our strategy is moving forward. My understanding is that they will discuss strategy related to a new legal challenge... and what that could possible look like.

If you have time, can you answer these questions? Feel free to PM me if that's easier (with your response) or e-mail POWER at [email protected]

Here are the questions:

1. What are some of the safety issues you face when doing sex work? What is your relationship with police?

2. Have the police been hassling you and if so, do you know why?

3. Have the police been hassling your clients and if so, do you know why?

4. Do you go to the police if you need help? Why or why not?

5. Where do you work and is that the place you would like to work or would you prefer to work somewhere else?

6. Do you advertise and have there been changes in terms of how you advertise?

7. Do you work with others, have there been changes in terms of how you work with others?

8. What can you do with third parties (receptionists, security, etc) in your place of work?

9. Have you changed your safety mechanisms since the news laws have come into effect? If so, how?

Thanks for any time you put into this - you can answer some or all of the questions - it's as you see fit!