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Call to decriminalise prostitution
Jun 18, 2009
A leading academic has called for prostitution to be decriminalised to protect women forced to work in the sex industry.
Researchers said support structures are also needed to reduce the risk of harm posed to drug users working on the streets of Dublin to fund their habit.
Dr Linda Cusick, from the University of The West of Scotland, said sex workers fear authority, are isolated and vulnerable, with many physically and sexually assaulted, raped and abducted. She said: "If sex work is recognised as work we can look forward to offering sex workers legal protection against violence and reducing their fear of reporting it to the police when they are attacked."
Copyright © 2009 The Press Association. All rights reserved.
CONFISCATED CASH RECLAIMED FOR MEMBER, October 1st.
A member who had £12,000 confiscated by police from a Mayfair safety deposit box had her money returned in less than a month with the Union's help. After taking advice from the GMB she was put in touch with Nigel Richardson at Hodge Jones & Allen solicitors, who offer a discounted price for GMB members. A solicitor then accompanied her to a police interview and ensured her money was returned in full.
SEX REVOLUTION IN MANCHESTER? September 29th.
IUSW campaigner Catherine spoke as part of the 'Sex And The Revolution' talk at The Politics Socitey at University Of Manchester, along with speakers from the English Collective Of Prostitutes. The importance of decriminalization was highlighted as the only way to drastically improve prostitutes' lives.
HOME OFFICE GETS VISIT FROM SEX WORKERS, September 23rd.
A hard copy of a petition for decriminalisation of sex work, which gathered almost 1000 signatures, was handed in at the Home Office by members of the IUSW. A petition running at the same time calling for the criminalisation of clients closed with less than 100 signatures.
SAFETY FIRST AT LIB DEM CONFERENCE, September 22nd.
IUSW spokesperson Catherine addressed the Liberal Democrats conference on the subject of 'Keeping Sex Workers Safe'. The IUSW had been invited to speak by Chris Davis MEP. Liberal Democrat policy is for at least partial decriminalistaion, and we applaud them for asking to hear our voice.
IUSW SHINES AT EROTIC AWARDS, September 12th.
We had a strong presence and our members were among the award-winners at the annual charity Erotic Awards/Night Of The Senses in London. Dance member Joy won Stripper Of The Year and X-Talk won Campaigner Of The Year.
Joy and fellow dance member Solitaire raised £340 for the Outsiders charity giving lapdances, and supporters 'dressed' in gold body paint handed out hundreds of 'For Fuck's Sake Support Sex Workers' promotional wristbands.
LONDON MAYOR GIVES CROSS BONES COMMITMENT, September 10th.
The future of Cross Bones graveyard as a memorial site for sex workers took a step forward, with London Mayor Boris Johnson pledging commitment to the site. Answering a parliamentary question on the site's future put forward by Labour Assembly Member Valerie Shawcross, Johnson said development plans "will be prepared recognising the archaeological interest of this site". He also promised interested parties would be consulted on such plans. Members of the IUSW have been campaigning to raise awareness of the site. More Cross Bones News
IUSW RESPONDS TO REVIEW OF DEMAND, August 21st.
The IUSW handed in its response to the government's Review Of Demand consultation. The response was the culmination of extensive hard work by the IUSW activist team, ensuring sex workers' voices are heard in current crucial debates.