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An Evaluation of Indoor Sex Workers’ Sexual Health Access in Metro Vancouver: Applying an Occupational Health & Safety Lens in the Context of Criminalization

Author

Listed:
  • Jennie Pearson

    (Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K5, Canada
    Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada)

  • Sylvia Machat

    (Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K5, Canada)

  • Jennifer McDermid

    (Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K5, Canada
    Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada)

  • Shira M. Goldenberg

    (Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K5, Canada
    Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
    Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada)

  • Andrea Krüsi

    (Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K5, Canada
    Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
    Current address: 1190 Hornby St. (11th floor), Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K5, Canada.)

Abstract

The criminalization of sex work has been consistently shown to undermine workers’ Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), including sexual health. Drawing on the ‘Guide to OHS in the New Zealand Sex Industry’ (the Guide), we assessed barriers to sexual health best practices among indoor sex workers in Metro Vancouver, Canada, in the context of ongoing criminalization. Part of a longstanding community-based study, this analysis drew on 47 qualitative interviews (2017–2018) with indoor sex workers and third parties. Participants’ narratives were analyzed drawing on a social determinants of health framework and on the Guide with specific focus on sexual health. Our findings suggest that sex workers and third parties utilize many sexual health strategies, including use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and peer-driven sexual health education. However, participant narratives demonstrate how structural factors such as criminalization, immigration, and stigma limit the accessibility of additional OHS best practices outlined in the Guide and beyond, including access to non-stigmatizing sexual health assessments, and distribution of diverse PPE by third parties. Our current study supports the need for full decriminalization of sex work, including im/migrant sex work, to allow for the uptake of OHS guidelines that support the wellbeing and autonomy of all sex workers.

Suggested Citation

  • Jennie Pearson & Sylvia Machat & Jennifer McDermid & Shira M. Goldenberg & Andrea Krüsi, 2023. "An Evaluation of Indoor Sex Workers’ Sexual Health Access in Metro Vancouver: Applying an Occupational Health & Safety Lens in the Context of Criminalization," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-15, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:1857-:d:1041073
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bungay, V. & Guta, A., 2018. "Strategies and challenges in preventing violence against canadian indoor sex workers," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 108(3), pages 393-398.
    2. Krüsi, A. & Chettiar, J. & Ridgway, A. & Abbott, J. & Strathdee, S.A. & Shannon, K., 2012. "Negotiating safety and sexual risk reductionwith clients in unsanctioned safer indoor sex work environments: A qualitative study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(6), pages 1154-1159.
    3. M Eugenia Socías & Jean Shoveller & Chili Bean & Paul Nguyen & Julio Montaner & Kate Shannon, 2016. "Universal Coverage without Universal Access: Institutional Barriers to Health Care among Women Sex Workers in Vancouver, Canada," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(5), pages 1-15, May.
    4. Shannon, K. & Strathdee, S.A. & Shoveller, J. & Rusch, M. & Kerr, T. & Tyndall, M.W., 2009. "Structural and environmental barriers to condom use negotiation with clients among female sex workers: Implications for HIV-prevention strategies and policy," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 99(4), pages 659-665.
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