What is the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers?
The International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, often colloquially called “Prostitutes’ Holiday,” is observed globally every December 17th. It’s a grassroots-led day of remembrance and activism focused on combating violence and discrimination against sex workers. The day originated to honor victims of the Green River Killer and evolved into a broader movement for human rights and safety.
This observance centers on three core pillars: memorializing those lost to violence, advocating for decriminalization and legal protections, and challenging societal stigma. Vigils, community gatherings, and political actions mark the day globally. Sex worker collectives like SWOP (Sex Workers Outreach Project) lead initiatives while allies amplify their calls for justice. The terminology “Prostitutes’ Holiday” reflects community reclamation of language, though many prefer “sex worker” as more respectful and accurate terminology.
Why is December 17th significant for sex workers?
December 17th commemorates the sentencing of Gary Ridgway (Green River Killer) in 2003, who murdered over 90 women – predominantly sex workers. The date was chosen to highlight how criminalization increases vulnerability to violence. Systemic failures in handling these cases exposed how stigma enables predators to target marginalized communities with impunity.
How do communities observe this day globally?
Global observances include candlelight vigils, public memorials, art installations, and harm reduction workshops. Sex worker-led organizations host “Take Back the Night” marches, community feasts, and fundraising events for victim support funds. Digital campaigns like #EndViolenceAgainstSexWorkers trend globally, sharing survivor stories and policy demands.
In London, the English Collective of Prostitutes holds memorials at churches historically offering sanctuary. Australian groups project victim names onto public buildings. Thai organizations offer free health screenings alongside political theater performances. These diverse actions create spaces for collective mourning while demanding tangible legal reforms from governments.
What role do red umbrellas play in these events?
Red umbrellas symbolize protection from violence and discrimination, originating from Venice’s 2001 sex worker protests. They’re carried during marches globally as a visual statement against the “rain of oppression” faced by the community. The International Committee on the Rights of Sex Workers in Europe trademarked the symbol to prevent commercial exploitation.
What systemic challenges do sex workers face daily?
Criminalization remains the root cause of occupational hazards, forcing workers into isolation and limiting police protection. Stigma creates barriers to healthcare, housing, and banking services. Economic precarity traps many in dangerous situations without exit resources. Police violence and disproportionate sentencing compound vulnerabilities, especially for BIPOC and trans workers.
Platform censorship erases online safety tools, while “rescue industry” NGOs often prioritize abolition over harm reduction. Migrant workers face deportation threats when reporting crimes. These intersecting issues create cycles of violence that December 17th seeks to disrupt through policy advocacy and public education.
How does criminalization increase violence risks?
Criminalized environments force sex workers to avoid police contact, screen clients hastily, and work in isolated areas. A 2022 Lancet study showed homicide rates decrease by 30-40% where sex work is decriminalized. Workers in legal frameworks (like New Zealand) report better access to justice, health services, and collective bargaining power.
What policy changes do advocates demand?
Decriminalization tops the agenda, replacing prohibitionist or “Nordic model” approaches that increase danger. Activists push for labor protections, anti-discrimination laws, and violence prevention funding. Specific demands include expunging criminal records, ending police profiling, and involving sex workers in policy design.
Global initiatives like Amnesty International’s 2016 decriminalization stance lend institutional weight. Legislative wins include Canada’s 2014 Bedford Decision and New Zealand’s Prostitution Reform Act. Ongoing battles focus on ending “brothel” laws that criminalize shared workplaces and challenging FOSTA/SESTA-style internet regulations that endanger online workers.
What’s wrong with the “Nordic model” approach?
The Nordic model criminalizes clients while “decriminalizing” sellers, increasing dangers by forcing transactions underground. Johns become more secretive, reducing screening time. Workers report increased client aggression and police harassment under this system, with no reduction in trafficking per UN data.
How can allies meaningfully support this movement?
Center sex worker voices by amplifying their organizations like SWOP or Red Umbrella Fund. Donate to mutual aid funds that provide emergency housing or legal support. Challenge stigma in daily conversations by correcting misinformation. Advocate for decriminalization in local politics while rejecting “rescue” narratives.
Businesses can offer pro-bono services or hire sex workers as consultants. Journalists should follow “Nothing About Us Without Us” principles when reporting. Crucially, avoid conflating consensual sex work with human trafficking – distinct issues requiring different solutions. Effective allyship requires ongoing education through resources like Sharmus Outlaw’s advocacy toolkit.
What should I avoid doing as an ally?
Avoid “savior complexes” that dismiss agency or assume universal victimhood. Never out someone as a sex worker. Reject terminology like “prostituted women” that erases autonomy. Don’t support anti-trafficking organizations that oppose decriminalization. Most importantly, don’t speak over sex workers during policy discussions.
How has this movement created tangible change?
Since 2003, the movement has secured landmark victories: Canada’s Supreme Court struck down prostitution laws as unconstitutional in 2014. New Zealand’s decriminalization model reduced STI transmission and violence. Nevada’s legal brothels provide healthcare standards and panic buttons. Globally, awareness campaigns have reduced police violence in countries like Argentina.
Cultural shifts include major media outlets adopting “sex worker” terminology. Universities now offer sex-work-inclusive sexual health programs. Worker cooperatives like COYOTE RI demonstrate sustainable alternatives to exploitative management. Though progress is uneven, the annual December 17th mobilizations continue building power through survivor-led advocacy.
What’s the relationship between this day and Pride movements?
LGBTQ+ rights and sex worker rights movements share historical roots – Stonewall was led by trans sex workers like Marsha P. Johnson. Both fight police brutality and healthcare discrimination. Modern Pride events increasingly include sex worker contingents, though tensions persist around corporate sponsorship of Pride that excludes marginalized workers.
What misconceptions surround sex work and this observance?
Myth: Most sex workers are trafficked (reality: 2020 ILO data shows 80%+ are voluntary adults). Myth: Criminalization protects workers (reality: it increases violence). Myth: This day “celebrates” sex work (reality: it memorializes victims and demands safety).
Another fallacy: Only street-based workers face violence (indoor/online workers report similar rates). People also wrongly assume all workers are women – male and trans workers comprise 30%+ of the industry. December 17th specifically counters these myths through education about diverse experiences and systemic solutions.
Is there religious participation in this day?
Yes – progressive faith groups like Metropolitan Community Churches host “Blessing of the Workers” services. The United Church of Canada endorses decriminalization. Jewish groups recite Kaddish for victims. These interfaith actions counter moralistic narratives, emphasizing compassion and inherent human dignity.