The 8th International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, on December 17th, is a reminder that although in some areas there has been progress in understanding sexuality and relationships outside the traditional standards of society, there is much work to be done. In 2003 Dr. Annie Sprinkle, an artist and sexologist, and Robyn Few, the founder of Sex Workers Outreach Project, began The International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers as a memorial for the 71 victims of the Green River Killer in Seattle Washington through the 1980’s and 1990’s. 

The numbers speak loudly for why amendments to laws that cover the rights of sex workers are needed. Stripclubs According to Strippers: Exposing Workplace Sexual Violence, a study in 1998 by Kelly Hosopple, and a study done by Melissa Farley and Howard Barkan on prostitution, violence against women and post-traumatic stress disorder in San Francisco in the 1990’s both reported that 82% of sex workers and prostitutes have been physically assaulted.  48% of exotic dancers and 68% of prostitutes that have fallen victim to rape at least once and some more than five times. Sexual assault runs rampant in the sex work field.  According to the above studies, every exotic dancer reported being assaulted at least once.  82% of prostitutes reported being assaulted; 88% had been physically threatened, 83% physically threatened by a weapon, 55% by a customer.

Since 2003, during the week of December 17th sex worker rights organizations hold vigils and events to raise awareness which address the stigma and discrimination against sex workers. Sex workers are not protected by the law and face barriers when reporting violence. These events empower sex workers and to support the progress in giving rights to this community.

Are you a sex worker who has been a victim of violence or have a friend who is one? You are not alone and there are resources available to you including the Sex Workers Outreach Project, Global Network of Sex Work Projects, and the Sex Workers Project.