SPECIAL FEATURE
STREET LIFE It’s estimated there are up to 80,000 sex workers in the UK – the majority are women*. We talk to a former street sex worker and to the outreach team who helped her find a route out. And we look how those supporting sex workers are virtually adapting their services.
S
treet sex workers are at a greater risk of violent assaults and rape during the coronavirus pandemic, with many too scared to report violent assaults because they fear being arrested. A BBC report says women are finding it harder to earn money during lockdown so have been taking more risks.
Sexual health outreach worker Lynsey Riley.
Outreach workers within Mersey Care’s sexual health service Armistead support women working in the sex trade. Wearing NHS identity badges and uniform with logo, they go into the areas where women typically work.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
*Source: House of Commons Home Affairs Committee: third report of session 2016-17 www.publications.parliament.uk.
13