Sex Workers’ Experiences and Occupational Conditions Post-Implementation of End-Demand Criminalisation in Metro Vancouver, Canada.

Machat S., Shannon K., Braschel M., Morehart S. & Goldenberg S.M., Sex Workers’ Experiences and Occupational Conditions Post-Implementation of End-Demand Criminalisation in Metro Vancouver, Canada. Canadian Journal of Public Health, (2019). Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6825525/

Findings from Advocating Opportunity’s “END DEMAND LITERATURE – DESK REVIEW” (Compiled by: Emily Dunlap, Komal Hans, and Donna Hoffman with contributions from: Kate D’Adamo and Megan K. Mattimoe):

Summary:
“In 2014, Canada introduced end-demand criminalization (the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act (PCEPA)), criminalizing purchase of sexual services while leaving the sale of sex legal. This study assessed factors correlated with self-reported changes in working conditions post-PCEPA among sex workers in Metro Vancouver. Most sex workers reported no change in working conditions and one quarter reported negative changes, suggesting that PCEPA may be failing to advance sex workers’ safety. Immigrants, women experiencing workplace violence, and those facing criminalization were most likely to report negative impacts. Decriminalization of all aspects of sex work is needed to support well-being, health, and safety.”

Findings:
“Most SWs reported no change in working conditions and one quarter reported negative changes, suggesting that PCEPA may be failing to advance sex workers’ safety. Im/migrants, women experiencing workplace violence, and those facing criminalization were most likely to report negative impacts.” (emphasis added).

“Most (72.2%) experienced no change in working conditions, and 26.4% reported negative changes (e.g., reduced ability to screen clients or reduced access to workspaces/clients). Reporting negative changes was correlated with being an im/migrant to Canada and recent physical workplace violence. In sub-analysis, physical/sexual workplace and living in the suburbs of Richmond/Burnaby correlated with reduced screening capacity; incarceration and being an im/migrant correlated with reduced access to workspaces/clients.”

Methodology:
“Post-PCEPA data for one year were drawn from a community-based cohort of SWs. We analyzed self-reported changes in working conditions among 299 participants who worked prior to PCEPA and were asked about working conditions post-PCEPA. Multivariate GEE analysis evaluated factors correlated with negative changes post-PCEPA, including reduced capacity to screen clients and reduced access to workspaces/clients.”

“Data were drawn from an ongoing open prospective cohort, An Evaluation of Sex Workers’ Health Access (AESHA), which initiated recruitment in late January 2010. AESHA was developed based on substantial community collaborations with sex work agencies since 2005 and is monitored and informed by a Community Advisory Board of representatives of 15+ community agencies. Current eligibility includes being female, including transgender individuals, having exchanged sex for money within the last 30 days, and providing written informed consent.”

Background:
“In 2014, Canada introduced end-demand criminalization (the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act (PCEPA)), criminalizing purchase of sexual services while leaving the sale of sex legal. Following its passage, there were a multitude of negative effects on the working conditions of sex workers, most significantly, the increase of workplace violence.”