Social cohesion in sex work
Social cohesion between sex workers is the central protective factor against experiencing violence and promotes the use of counseling and health services.
Jennie Pearson, sex worker and researcher at the Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity in Vancouver, investigated how relevant social cohesion is for sex workers. Social cohesion means mutual trust, exchange and support between sex workers, for example with clients. We know from numerous studies from the global South that support within a group is the most important factor for HIV prevention, but also for physical safety overall.
Jennie was able to clearly show this in her cohort study: The better the social cohesion, the less frequently sex workers experience sexual violence with clients and the more frequently they make use of counseling services.
Measures must therefore focus on strengthening the social cohesion of sex workers, which is why she calls for
- Decriminalization of sex work
- Reduction of work-related stigma
- Funding for sex work organizations
- Making digital tools available that improve the exchange between sex workers
- Establishment of co-working spaces run by sex workers