This guide offers practical information for service providers working with migrant sex workers who have experienced, or may experience violence, discrimination or other forms of abuse. Many service providers have expressed that they do not feel equipped or able to support migrant sex workers when they experience violence or forms of exploitation. As a result, many service providers automatically contact law enforcement, or encourage migrant sex workers to contact law enforcement, as they see this response as their only option. Migrant sex workers explain, however, that these limited law-enforcement based responses can actually create more harms, rather than solutions.
Created by: Elene Lam and Tara Santini, for A Pathway to End Violence Against Migrant Sex Workers: Access, Safety, Dignity and Justice, a joint project of Butterfly (Asian and Migrant Sex Workers Support Network), Chinese Canadian National Council (Toronto Chapter) and Chinese and Southeast Asian Legal Clinic.
Authors: Tara Santini and Elene Lam
Project Coordinator: Elene Lam
Legal Advisor: Tara Santini
Contributors: Coly Chau, Jin Chien, Sandra Ka Hon Chu, Renee Dumaresque, Serwaah Frimpong, Ossob Hassan, Michelle Li, Kara Peet, Jaden Hsin Yun Peng, Jordana Rovet, Justin Kong, Mac Scott, Mary Wang, Anna Willats, Vincent Wong, Wei Yan Vivian Wu, Stephanie Milliken, Shelly Tam, Alice Cavanagh and Sarah Westerhof.
Design by: The Public Studio | Printed by: C&D GROUP
Funded by: The Law Foundation of Ontario.
This guide provides general legal information and does not provide legal advice. Please talk to a lawyer or advocate if legalhelp is required. The information in this guide is accurate as of the date of publication, January 2020.