[SWAF-Potluck] Rally on December 17 to Support a Colleague

[Trina Ricketts]

DEAR SEX WORKERS AND ALLIES

In an ironic twist of fate, a Vancouver sex worker is facing her rapist in
court on International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers.

Every year on December 17th, sex workers and allies gather to honour sex
workers who have suffered and lost their lives due to violence.

This year, our gathering will send a distinct message to rapists and other
predators.

People are often scared to report sexual assault because even with
evidence, it is difficult to prove rape.

Often, we are made to feel as though it is us who are on trial. Not the men
who forced themselves on us.

Sex workers face even more discrimination than the average person. Some
people believe that sex workers cannot be raped because of the nature of
our work.

This attitude suggests that our boundaries and bodies do not matter. To
much of society, and certainly to the men who rape us, we are disposable
human beings.

Predators believe they can be violent towards us because “the police won’t
care,” “the judge and jury won’t believe” us, and we “asked for it by doing
this work.”

Carmen surprised the man who raped by going to the police and seeing her
case through.

Please join us on December 17th, 2019 in front a Lower Mainland Courthouse
where we will carry signs and show our support for Carmen, sending a clear
message to predators…

We’re not going to take it anymore.

We are not your easy prey.

Sex workers are reporting crimes against us without fear.

Police are listening to us because they’ve seen the damage that is done
when they don’t take sex workers seriously.

Courts are listening to us because they have no choice.

We demand to have our voices heard and our rights upheld.

Sex workers provide an important service to people we treat with care and
respect.

We are not here to take abuse. We are not here to be willing victims for
society’s worst predators.

We deserve respect.

We deserve consideration.

We deserve justice.

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Tuesday December 17

9 AM - 1 PM (end time is approximate)

New West Courthouse, 651 Carnarvon St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1C9

Bring signs!
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