Data Base

Sex Work and 17 December

17 December marks the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, a day set aside to raise awareness of the violence sex workers face and to honour those who have been victims of such violence.

This day traces its origins to the 2003 case of the Green River Killer in the United States. The killer admitted to targeting sex workers because they were easy to prey upon, their disappearances went unnoticed, and, in many cases, they were never even reported missing. This allowed him to murder many sex workers without fear of being caught.

Think this is an isolated and extreme case? Believe it only happens in the U.S., or that only physical assault or murder counts as violence? Is it the only form of violence that sex workers face?

In Hong Kong, sex workers are frequently subjected to various forms of violence due to discrimination and societal judgment. Beyond physical assault and verbal abuse, sex workers also experience incidents such as clients removing condoms without consent and being coerced into unwanted sexual acts. Constant threats, hidden cameras, and intimidation are sadly common. The recent cases involving sex workers being attacked with electric rods by clients are just the visible tip of the iceberg in their daily struggles. Research also shows that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many clients ignored health risks, refusing to wear face masks, exposing sex workers to potential infection.

Sex work is a form of labour, an agreement between consenting adults, which should not inherently involve violence. So, where does this violence come from? It may stem from society's inability to accept sex work as just another job, compounded by slut-shaming and legal restrictions. Some people may believe that sex workers "deserve" this treatment and rarely empathise with them. But the right to live free from violence and fear is a basic human right, and sex workers are no exception. Protecting them is an urgent matter.

17 December, like many important days that risk being overlooked, should not be forgotten. Nor should we forget the sex workers who have been harmed across the world. There is still a long road ahead to secure fair and safe working conditions, and this effort requires our participation and support.