Kacy Barker, PhD’s Post

On The Super Bowl, Solidarity and Safety Every year, around this time, the airwaves in whatever city is hosting the Super Bowl are flooded with public services announcements about sex trafficking. Billboards go up. Police officers receive special training. Media asks organizations that work to reduce trafficking to comment on the “biggest sex trafficking event of the  year.” There is no evidence that the actual volume of sex trafficking increases as a result of the Super Bowl. More importantly, we collectively try to make the point that the hype often leads to a damaging response - arresting people who are directly selling sex. Historically, the anti-trafficking and sex worker rights movements have struggled to find common ground and the disagreements have sometimes become heated. But this is one thing we passionately agree upon. We believe our time, talent, and treasure is best invested toward supporting the direct needs of those with lived experience, as opposed to coercive intervention. There are others. Our areas of agreement are based in shared deeply held values and commitments: To the dignity of each and every human being and to an end to violence, against people in the sex trades, to name a few. With that in mind, we come together this January - Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month, to offer the following shared recommendations. https://lnkd.in/edFt9ppN

Understanding the distinctions between sex work and sex trafficking is crucial for addressing their social, legal, and human rights implications. This blog post aims to clarify these differences, fostering informed discussions to support the rights and safety of sex workers. Encourage your network to read the full blog post and watch the accompanying YouTube video featuring SWAN Vancouver, which discusses the nuances of identifying trafficking. It's essential to advocate for policies that recognize sex work as legitimate labour and differentiate it clearly from trafficking. Join the conversation and learn more about how understanding these distinctions can lead to better policies and practices. 👉🏽 https://ow.ly/mL6450Sj5NM #SexWorkIsWork #SexWorkRights

Decriminalization is an important step towards addressing the potential dangers that come with being a sex worker and recognizing sex work as a viable profession can help ensure the protection of sex workers’ rights. #InternationalDayToEndViolenceAgainstSexWorkers

🔈️Let's bust another #humantrafficking myth. MYTH: All sex workers are victims of human trafficking. REALITY: Not all sex workers are trafficking victims. Some individuals choose to work in the sex industry. Conflating sex work with trafficking can lead to policies that fail to address the specific needs of trafficking victims. Staying educated and aware is crucial to stopping human trafficking and helping survivors. 🙏 🔗 Head to our website to learn how Not For Sale tackles this issue using a holistic approach that aims to stop trafficking long before it happens, while also lending support to survivors and communities in need. 🧡 https://lnkd.in/dDJ27qq8 #wearenorforsale #humantraffickingawareness #endhumantrafficking #mythbusting #education #freedom #socialjustice #supportsurvivors

International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers 🔴 Today, we honour the lives lost to violence and hate crimes against sex workers and stand in solidarity with sex workers, their families, friends, and advocates. No one should live in fear or be subjected to violence because of who they are or the work they do. Ending violence against sex workers requires challenging societal norms and fostering communities of support and respect. At YWCA Westman, we believe in safety, dignity, and equality for all individuals. Together, we can work toward a future where everyone is free from violence.

(The bottom line is digitally discriminating and deplatforming sex workers is an act of violence. Not listening or collaborating with the very communities you are writing policy about has life altering repercussions for said communities and those apart of them. Some of us are being forced into more dangerous lines of work because we cannot work safely online or utilize safe working practices such as screening or Decriminalization. It’s unacceptable and sex workers need protections now. Our voices have been left out of policy and legislation for too long, we don’t need legislators speaking for us when we have voices. It’s time to start collaborating with sex workers and reflecting our needs in everyday life. Sex work is work and we need human rights.” ) Page 146 Survey Participant   #sexworkpolicy https://a.co/d/2i1HfbY

🗓️ December 17th: International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers This day marks a day dedicated to raising awareness about the violence and discrimination faced by sex workers worldwide. Established in 2003 by the Gaia Foundation, to commemorate the tragic loss of several sex workers and highlight the need for systemic change. The date of December 17th was chosen to honor the lives lost and to advocate for the decriminalization of sex work, safer working conditions, and an end to the stigma that often leads to violence. Sex workers, particularly those from marginalized groups, face high rates of physical and sexual violence, police brutality, trafficking, and more. Unfortunately, many of these crimes go unpunished due to the criminalization of sex work. On this day, we remember those who have suffered and continue to advocate for: Legal reforms to protect sex workers. Safer working conditions, free from violence and exploitation. Greater societal understanding and support to eliminate the stigma surrounding sex work. This day is a reminder that the fight to end gender-based violence must include all marginalized groups, including sex workers. Let’s unite to protect all marginalized persons' rights, safety, and dignity. #EndViolenceAgainstSexWorkers #SexWorkerRights #DecriminalizeSexWork #16DaysOfActivism #HumanRights #GenderEquality

#decriminalisesexwork Catch me today at 10:30am on POWERFM discussing the decriminalisation of sex work with Lerato Mbele.

Today, on December 17th, we observe the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers—a somber reminder of the physical and systemic violence faced by sex workers worldwide. Originating in the U.S. to honor victims of the Green River serial killer, this day has grown into a global call to action to protect the rights, health, and safety of sex workers. Stigma and harmful policies like SESTA/FOSTA continue to endanger sex workers, conflating consensual work with trafficking and stripping them of online tools that once helped ensure their safety. These laws have made conditions more dangerous for workers while failing to effectively address human trafficking. Research shows that de-platforming sex workers has increased exploitation and violence, particularly for marginalized communities. Sex workers deserve respect, rights, and protection. Join us in demanding justice and advocating for policies that center their voices and safety. Together, we can fight for a world free from violence and stigma. #December17 #D17 #IDEVASW

Early this month the Queensland Parliament passed laws to decriminalise the sex work industry. The new Bill implements the findings from our review into the decriminalisation of the sex work industry, which focussed on a recommended framework for regulating sex work. We are proud to have played a key role in reforming these laws. For more information on this review, go to: https://lnkd.in/g-pzqBTZ #sexworkindustry #decriminalisingsexwork #regulatingsexwork #lawreform #makinganimpact