Sex Workers: Discrimination and Criminalization

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

The world continues to witness different forms of discrimination and violence against individuals working as sex workers. This is the main reason behind the high infection rates among people involved in this business. In many countries, the activity has been termed a crime, making it more difficult for the rights group in such places to be effective. In countries where it has been allowed, the discrimination level and denial of access to health services are incredible. When it comes to the prevalence of HIV, this group of individuals consists of the most significant numbers compared to other people in the population. Much of this can be attributed to poor policing in countries that consider this activity criminalized.

Society in the last century can be described as not well-informed about the issues around them. For instance, there lacked social media and other channels today that enhance faster transmission of information. This explains why most people still believe that sex work should be criminalized. In the 70s, many people died due to a lack of attendance from medical professionals due to discrimination. Such issues can be significantly highlighted in today’s society whereby news will travel quicker, which is different from then. The essay looks at the problem of discrimination against sex workers and the criminalization of sex work and highlights efforts that have been made towards decriminalization of the activity.

Discussion

Sex workers have continued to face various challenges globally, such as violence, criminalization, and discrimination, among others, that increase their rate of getting infected with HIV. They are in the group of people that have been isolated and forgotten in terms of the HIV response (Smith and Juno 8). The prevalence of the disease is ten times higher among individuals doing business than the general populace since they receive poor services from HIV medical teams (Brookfield et al. 683). The majority of the issues, barriers, and vulnerabilities they face in getting access to various services are a result of being criminalized and some restrictive regulations faced.

In many countries, buying or selling sex services has been established as a criminal offense. The number is thirty-nine in total and more countries have rules that are against some aspects of sex work. When someone can be arrested due to possessing condoms as an indicator that they are doing sex work, then it becomes hard for people to use protection (Brookfield et al. 684). Additionally, in places where the activity is not a criminal offense, it is seldom protected. Research suggests that women in sex work are subjected to much violence (Brookfield et al. 687). For instance, about thirty-five percent of Haiti report being physically violated, and twenty-seven percent claim sexual assault.

Nevertheless, many organizations that consist of sex workers are putting efforts to promote their human rights and access to services in many places around the world. For example, in South Africa, the groups collaborate with health agencies to create a plan concerning protection and access to other services. The countrywide initiative enlisted peer motivators to aid in distributing lubricant and contraceptives and data on sexually transmitted diseases and prevention (Al-Ali 334). Community empowerment services, whose primary intention is to eliminate the issue of violence and stigma, have introduced a helpline and sensitization training.

With the increase in deaths recorded among sex workers, it is essential to review how much they know about sex education. According to my knowledge, sex education is great quality teaching as well as learning concerning a wide range of topics associated with sexuality and sex in general (Al-Ali 339). It examines the values and beliefs of people on the subjects and assists in gaining skills necessary to navigate relationships with a partner and community. An individual can additionally understand the way to manage their sexual health better. Sex education equips individuals with the knowledge of using condoms and contraceptives (Febres-Cordero et al. 5). The information is vital for sex workers considering their line of work.

The movement fighting for the rights of sex workers started in the 70s and, in many countries, works to better the working environment, increase the benefits and reduce the rate of discrimination. The International Committee for Prostitutes’ Rights attained human rights coverage in 1985 when they were awarded the World Charter for Prostitutes Rights, thereby establishing a global community. It continued to become larger as members came together to fight the HIV epidemic (Al-Ali 335). The NSWP, or the Global Network of Sex Work Projects, was established in 1992 at the International AIDS Conference in Amsterdam.

The network played a significant role in the global education and response of individuals during the epidemic concerning sex work activity. Much of the progress made by the movement in the discussion was only visible in developed countries (Murray et al. 942). Currently, organizations have attempted to balance the impact by focusing more on developing countries. Even though studies concerning the movement have been done in Western European and North American places, sex worker-led mobilization has happened worldwide. Such activities seek to affect policies to ensure that it is acknowledged as a legit profession and adequate rights are provided to the individuals practicing it.

The NSWP has received much fiscal support from bodies, for example, Open Society Foundations, and acknowledges that it does a combination of reactive and pro-active policy advocacy to support evidence-based strategies for sex workers. They aim to do this while guaranteeing that local issues are discussed globally (Adebisi et al. 1780). It is largely accountable for the shift in language, mostly the utilization of the word sex worker rather than a prostitute (Platt et al. 5). The former corresponds with an acknowledgment of someone’s human rights. The advocacy work has consisted of HIV addressing discrimination, and participating in studies concerning the profession.

During International AIDS Conference held in 2012 in India, sex worker activists from various places formed the SWFF, an optional event for them. The 7-day function included activity in the Sonagachi red-light area and was a representation of a protest against the exclusion of prostitutes (Sawicki et al. 355). It sought to guarantee that the viewpoints were heard in meetings organized in Washington, D.C. The NSWP published a report in 2014 and described it as the snapshot of curated information that outlines a significant and historical time in the movement for sex workers’ rights.

The Joint United Countries Programme on HIV and AIDS has produced a report that suggests some policies in Asia as well as the Pacific. It includes case studies in support of the ways of bettering access to medical services in these places (Selvey et al. 171). It addresses as well some factors that act as barriers to sex workers’ chance of receiving health services. Moreover, the United Countries released another one that discusses the guidelines around the topic in the same areas, the impacts of the laws, and recommendations.

Legality of Prostitution

The activists campaigning to establish policies that protect sex workers against violence can be categorized into two primary classes: proposers of abolitionism and those of legalization. The initial reformers determined the main issue with prostitution as male lust that forced innocent females into a corrupt life as prostitutes (Van Staple et al. 196). Therefore, those supporting abolitionism claim that the act is a system that exploits women involved in the business. Thus, they trust that to avoid violent acts against sex workers, the consumers of such services need to be punished to ensure that the whole institution is demolished.

Due to the policy being based on the notion that females are helpless, individuals on the opposing side of this argument believe that it fails to empower women. One must understand that violent acts are an inherent part of prostitution, whereby the likelihood of undergoing violence rises along with the amount of time someone is a prostitute (Van Staple et al. 197). It makes me conclude that sex work is multi-traumatic in every form (Van Staple et al. 197). Others in their study utilized Holland as an example of a nation to support the idea that legalized prostitution can harm an individual (Sawicki et al. 363). According to Sawicki et al. (363), 90% of prostitutes show signs that they may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Hence, the proposers advocate abolitionism to guarantee those sex workers are protected.

By punishing consumers and sex workers, proponents believe that it would lead to the safety of the prostitutes. Many of them state various reasons according to the research conducted on the impacts of prostitution in nations where it is practiced (Van Staple et al. 198). Some of their claims are that the act fails to enhance women’s choice, cannot protect participants, and does not promote their health since protection use is not strictly followed. Additionally, they argue that rather than prostitution controlling the sex industry, it expands it. There are reports that it is the main reason behind child trafficking and molestation, as there are individuals who believe that as long as they have money, they can get sex.

Some activists believe that to promote safety against violence for sex workers, governments should legalize the act. They trust that buying and selling sexual activities will continue even if countries fully embrace abolitionism. Thus, one method to successfully prevent violent actions is by acknowledging that and setting laws and regulations that handle the matter via control of the business. The proponents of this idea claim that a system prohibiting prostitution can cause oppression of sex workers. They recommend that guidelines be established that restrict the exploitation or trafficking of innocent women.

The legalization of prostitution usually entails additional restrictions as well as requirements placed on prostitutes and registering with government offices. I would argue that decriminalization is better than legalization (Van Staple et al. 195). This is due to the latter focusing on the laws that enforce the rights of the sex workers, for example, against coercion to enter or remain in the business. This is while every consensual sexual contact between an adult client and a sex worker would not be criminalized. Using lay proof about prostitution has led to moral panic since the opponents argue that it is violent and cannot be controlled. Governments have rejected the notion and found methods of regulating.

Advocacy

There are various standpoints regarding the issues of sex work, including sex-positive feminism, abolitionism, and decriminalization. Of the three, the last one is the best viewpoint (Platt et al. 7). Activists in the United States claim that prostitutes deserve to share the same rights, basic human and labor, as others. This allows for better working settings, less violence against prostitutes, and protection from law enforcement. In 2014, the Canadian government attempted to pass a bill that would have criminalized buying or promoting sexual services (Platt et al. 8). Some organizations tried to exert pressure on political officials to vote against it (Platt et al. 8). According to them, it would have led to adverse effects such as more coercion, an increase in the cases of violence, and human trafficking.

Sonagachi is among the projects worldwide whose focus is on preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS. They encourage condoms, which has resulted in a significant decrease in sexually transmitted diseases. Additionally, it promotes and protects the rights of sex workers (Platt et al. 12). The tactics they use include typical distribution, peer education aimed to raise awareness of STIs, and providing screening, treatment, and management. The founders of this project desired to offer a voice to the sex workers since they understand what is ideal for them and that needs enhancement. Such individuals believe that prostitution is working as others and deserves respect.

Another standpoint that some activists take is legalization, allowing sex workers to perform their work in better and more organized circumstances, such as lawful brothels. These are places that adhere to standard industry practices, for example, practicing the use of condoms and routine check-ups for prostitutes (Platt et al. 13). It results in a reduction in the transmission rate of sexually transmitted infections. The majority of the sex workers seek for their business to be decriminalized and legalized to ensure that they can ask for help from the authorities when they are assaulted. The activist groups act as the voices that push nations to make changes and stop the discrimination around prostitution. During the pandemic, the Supreme Court in India instructed that every state government provides dry ration to prostitutes.

Risks Associated with Sex Work

In the countries where prostitution is illegal, prostitutes encounter many potential threats of assault. This can be fear or government policies acting against the business. An example is the danger that they get infected with an STI due to individual or structural barriers (Murray et al. 943). Due to street-based violence being common, it increases their vulnerability further to contracting an illness. Additionally, the WHO claims that sex workers are known to be denied medical services when seeking out prevention or treatment. They are afraid as well to do that due to a lack of awareness of the methods that could offer them better conditions for work.

A specific example of the threats a sex worker faces can be illustrated through a study done in Cambodia, where the HIV infection rate has risen. The researchers investigated the prevalence of the disease among a collection of indirect prostitutes (Murray et al. 944). These are individuals hired to promote as well as sell beer but indulge in the business with drunkards willing to pay (Murray et al. 944). They discovered the highest number of cases since they usually sell sexual intercourse to supplement their low wages (Murray et al. 945). Only a few of them understood the importance of using protection or even the methods (Murray et al. 945). It is important to design policies that target all sex workers in a vulnerable state.

In the United States, some live above the poverty line, and others do not. Seventy percent of the population living under it are more likely to consider working as a sex worker, most being the minority (Al-Ali 340). Regarding gender, since women still have fewer opportunities than men, they find themselves looking for other ways to support themselves and their families. Thus, there is a high number of sex workers among black females. It has reached a point where people associate the work with a female job. Even in sex work, clients have reservations about the type of service provider they desire. This is not a crime and should be respected by every individual.

However, some go beyond having a preference to being aggressive with those they do not appreciate. For instance, according to Transgender Sex Workers Face Frequent Abuse (1), transexuals have experienced much violence in this line of work. I can argue that even the black females have witnessed similar challenges as well 557 (Glover). People must understand that the gender a person is assigned at birth might not be how they wish to identify themselves. Respecting others’ choices is essential, and, in the event a customer does not enjoy the services of a particular individual, they do not have the right to harm them.

Conclusion

The essay has looked at the problem of discrimination against sex workers and the criminalization of sex work and highlighted the efforts made towards decriminalizing the activity. The paper has established that indulging in the sex business, either buying or selling, is a crime in many countries. It has been established that in such countries, the fact of having a condom can stand as proof of participating in prostitution. This makes it difficult to convey information about the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. It has as well been discovered that in countries allowing free practice, there are no laws that aim to protect individuals.

The above constitutes discrimination which has resulted in many problems for the sex workers. For instance, in Asia, organizations in support of these individuals collaborate with law enforcement and the community at large to reduce the rate at which individuals are being physically assaulted. There have been social and health services established for this purpose. A tremendous body of knowledge exists that concerns the significance of dealing with both legal and structural obstacles that impact sex workers. To end HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections would require translating evidence into practice. For instance, every government prioritizes the issue of protecting human rights and encouraging access to prevention and treatment services by sex workers.

An organization such as the NSWP acknowledges that it advocates for evidence-based strategies to be used when attempting to help sex workers. Its aim is to accomplish this whereas guaranteeing that issues impacting local communities can be addressed at the global level. It is greatly associated with the shift in language, for example, using sex worker rather than prostitute when referring to someone offering sex services. They did this since they felt that the word prostitute is demeaning. Someone using the term on a sex worker shows that they do not respect them or view them as equal, which is an indication of discrimination.

Works Cited

Adebisi, Yusuff Adebayo, et al. “Sex workers should not be forgotten in Africa’s COVID-19 response.”The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, vol. 103, no. 5, 2020, pp.1780.

Al-Ali, Nadje. “Covid-19 and feminism in the Global South: Challenges, initiatives and dilemmas.”European Journal of Women’s Studies, vol. 27, no. 4, 2020, pp. 333-347.

Brookfield, Samuel, et al. “Barriers to accessing sexual health services for transgender and male sex workers: A systematic qualitative meta-summary.”AIDS and Behavior, vol. 24, no. 3, 2020, pp. 682-696.

Febres-Cordero, Belen, et al. “Influence of peer support on HIV/STI prevention and safety amongst international migrant sex workers: A qualitative study at the Mexico-Guatemala border.”PLoS One, vol. 13, no. 1, 2018, pp. 1-13.

Glover, Julian Kevon. “Customer Service Representatives: Sex Work among Black Transgender Women in Chicago’s Ballroom Scene.”South Atlantic Quarterly, vol. 120, no. 3, 2021, pp. 553-571.

Murray, Laura Rebecca, Deanna Kerrigan, and Vera Silvia Paiva. “Rites of resistance: Sex workers’ fight to maintain rights and pleasure in the centre of the response to HIV in Brazil.”Global Public Health, vol. 14, no.6-7, 2019, pp. 939-953.

Platt, Lucy, et al. “Associations between sex work laws and sex workers’ health: A systematic review and meta-analysis of quantitative and qualitative studies.”PLoS medicine, vol. 15, no. 12, 2018, pp. 1-26.

Sawicki, Danielle A., et al. “Culturally competent health care for sex workers: An examination of myths that stigmatize sex work and hinder access to care.”Sexual and Relationship Therapy, vol. 34, no. 3, 2019, pp. 355-371.

Selvey, Linda A., et al. “Challenges facing Asian sex workers in Western Australia: Implications for health promotion and support services.”Frontiers in Public Health, no. 6, 2018, pp.171.

Smith, Molly, and Juno Mac. Revolting prostitutes: The fight for sex workers’ rights. Verso Books, 2018.

“Transgender Sex Workers Face Frequent Abuse.”Www.unaids.org, 2022.

Van Stapele, Naomi, Lorraine Nencel, and Ida Sabelis. “On tensions and opportunities: Building partnerships between government and sex worker-led organizations in Kenya in the fight against HIV/AIDS.”Sexuality Research and Social Policy, vol. 16, no. 2, 2019, pp. 190-200.

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