A study published in the American Journal of Public Health highlights the ‘role of safer indoor sex work environments as venues for public health and violence prevention’ and indicates the importance of removing legal barriers to supportive housing programmes.

As reported in the Vancouver Sun indoor sex workers benefit from safer working environments, less exposure to violence and reduced exposure to HIV. 

PROS Network (Providers and Resources Offering Services to sex workers) participated in two studies in New York around the impact of policies that use of condoms as ‘evidence of prostitution’.

Many people will have been following the developing news stories about New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof, who attacks the sex industry and promotes a 'rescue and rehabiitation' approach.

Source: NSWP member organisation Stella press release.

Ontario Court of Appeal Judgment

Partial Victory:  Judgment Abandons Street Sex Workers

It is with a mix of joy and disappointment that we have learned of the decision by the five Ontario Court of Appeal judges that recognize the unconstitutionality of the articles criminalizing bawdy houses and living on the avails of prostitution, except in cases of exploitation. It is a victory in and of itself to be able to work legally indoors, alone or in groups and to have the right to have people around to increase security, such as receptionists, drivers, managers, agency owners, etc.