December 17, 2024
How Far We Have Come - How Far We Have To Go

December 17, 2024 marks the 21st Anniversary of International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, a day of reflection, advocacy, and remembrance for sex workers around the world who have lost their lives to violence or faced systemic injustice. Established in 2003 by Dr. Annie Sprinkle and the Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOPUSA), this day was created to address the pervasive violence sex workers face and the societal stigma that often leaves these crimes unacknowledged.

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The origins of this day trace back to the arrest of Gary Ridgway, the Green River Killer, who confessed to murdering at least 49 women, many of whom were sex workers. Ridgway admitted to targeting sex workers because he believed their disappearances would attract less attention from law enforcement and the public. This tragic revelation exposed deep societal indifference to violence against sex workers and underscored the urgent need for systemic change.

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December 17 began as a day to honor Ridgway's victims and has since evolved into a global movement to highlight the violence faced by sex workers worldwide. It serves not only to mourn those lost but also to advocate for the decriminalization of sex work, legal protections for sex workers, and an end to the stigma that perpetuates their marginalization. Vigils, rallies, and educational events are held globally to honor the resilience of sex workers and challenge the societal attitudes that make them vulnerable. Advocates, activists and allies use the day to amplify the voices of sex workers, demand accountability for crimes against them, and push for policies that prioritize their safety and dignity.

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The violence sex workers face is deeply rooted in broader issues of inequality, including racism, sexism, transphobia, and poverty. Marginalized groups within the sex work community, such as transgender individuals, people of color, and migrants, experience intersecting layers of discrimination that heighten their vulnerability. Legal protections are often absent, and societal stigma leaves many sex workers without access to justice, healthcare, or social support.

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December 17 reminds us that addressing violence against sex workers requires tackling these systemic issues. It is a call to action for governments, communities, and individuals to challenge harmful stereotypes, support harm reduction strategies, and create a world where sex workers can live and work free from violence and discrimination.

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What We’ve Learned Over 21 Years

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1. Systemic Violence Is Rooted in Stigma and Criminalization
The criminalization of sex work exacerbates violence by pushing the industry underground, leaving workers more vulnerable to abuse. Stigma perpetuates this violence, dehumanizing sex workers and discouraging law enforcement, healthcare providers, and policymakers from prioritizing their safety.

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2. Intersectionality Amplifies Vulnerability
Marginalized groups within the sex work community are disproportionately targeted by violence due to racism, transphobia, xenophobia, and poverty. Policies addressing these overlapping oppressions must replace the one-size-fits-all approach often applied to sex workers.

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3. Access to Justice Is Often Denied
Fear of arrest or further victimization prevents many sex workers from seeking help from law enforcement. Decriminalization has shown promise in improving access to justice, fostering better relationships with authorities, and reducing violence.

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4. Advocacy and Visibility Matter
Sex worker-led organizations and advocacy efforts have brought issues of violence into public discourse, challenging stereotypes and pushing for legislative reforms. Community-led harm reduction strategies, such as safety apps and peer support networks, have proven effective.

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What Has Changed

• Decriminalization and Legal Reforms: Countries like New Zealand and parts of Australia have decriminalized sex work, leading to reduced violence, improved healthcare access, and better working conditions.

• Global Awareness: December 17 and advocacy efforts have increased recognition of sex workers’ rights, with human rights organizations now addressing these issues.

• Technological Advances in Safety: Tools like bad-date reporting systems, safety apps, and encrypted communication platforms have enhanced information sharing and community solidarity.

What Hasn’t Changed

• Persistent Stigma: Despite progress, societal stigma against sex workers remains pervasive, fueling discrimination and exclusion from essential services like healthcare and housing.

• Resistance to Decriminalization: Many governments continue punitive approaches, such as the "Nordic model," which criminalizes clients and further endangers sex workers.

• Limited Access to Justice and Resources: Sex workers still face barriers to reporting violence, with police corruption and indifference persisting as significant obstacles.

 

Looking Ahead

To end violence against sex workers, efforts must focus on decriminalization, empowerment, education, and intersectional advocacy. Decriminalizing sex work and recognizing it as legitimate labor will protect workers’ rights and safety. Supporting sex worker-led organizations ensures policies reflect their lived experiences. Public awareness campaigns can challenge stigma and foster empathy, while addressing the compounded vulnerabilities of marginalized groups will create a more equitable society.

While progress has been made, the fight for justice, safety, and equality for sex workers continues. By learning from the past 21 years and building on the progress achieved, we can work toward a future where sex workers are respected, safe, and free from violence and discrimination.