2 Addressing Violence against Sex Workers
Shelter or safe space Those who experience violence may need to get away from the environment or the specific person( s) that is a threat to them. In Kyrgyzstan, the sex worker organization Tais Plus offers shelter to sex workers in crisis, at risk of violence, fleeing violence or fearing retribution.
These support service models vary in terms of their complexity, the amount of financial and human resources required to operate them( see Box 2.8), and whether they have been evaluated and shown to work. Support services should also be based on assessments of informal practices already established by sex workers themselves, and on their existing priorities. Some models, such as comprehensive crisis response systems, are resource-intensive, while others may require fewer resources. The following activities should be considered in order to support these services:
• Provide necessary infrastructure: This may include local mobile phone numbers and / or hotlines staffed by trained community members. The availability of support services may need to be advertised through word of mouth, fliers and other communication channels.
• Document incidents of violence: Recording incidents of violence enables programme staff to analyse the incidents, ensure follow-up, monitor efforts and improve services. For sex workers who want to file legal cases in response to violence, such documentation helps to provide necessary evidence for courts. Data on violence faced by sex workers may also be used for advocacy with local, state and national policy-makers and for planning services to address violence against sex workers.
Box 2.8
What are the potential resources needed for providing legal, psychosocial and other support services?
Resource people:
• Designated and trained sex workers to operate the helplines or hotlines
• Community outreach workers
• Trained peer and / or professional counsellors for psychological support
• Lawyers or paralegals( could be trained sex workers) who can provide legal support
Materials and venue:
• Access to a venue
• Mobile phones and time credit
• Hotlines
• Internet access
• Print materials to advertise services
• Data collection and reporting forms
• A space to operate hotlines, conduct trainings and meetings
• Safe space( drop-in centre) or shelter
Costs:
• Remuneration for staff( including lawyers if not pro bono)
• Start-up and maintenance costs of sex workers to use mobile phones, hotlines
• Advertising the services
• Transport costs
• Training
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