Is Prostitution Legal in New Westminster?
No, prostitution itself (the exchange of sex for money) is not illegal in Canada, but almost all surrounding activities are criminalized under the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act (PCEPA). This includes communicating for the purpose of buying or selling sexual services in public places, operating or being found in a bawdy-house, living on the avails of prostitution (procuring), and advertising sexual services. New Westminster Police enforce these federal laws.
How Do Police Enforce Prostitution Laws in New Westminster?
Police primarily focus on addressing public nuisance and exploitation. Enforcement often targets:
- Public Communication: Arrests for communicating in public places known for solicitation (e.g., certain streets).
- Brothel Operations: Raids on suspected bawdy-houses (incalls).
- Exploitation: Investigating and charging pimps (procuring) and traffickers.
While sex workers themselves can be charged (e.g., for communicating or working in bawdy-houses), enforcement priorities often shift, sometimes focusing more on clients (“johns”) or exploitative third parties, though street-based workers remain vulnerable.
What’s the Difference Between Decriminalization and Legalization Here?
Neither full decriminalization (like the New Zealand model) nor legalization (like regulated brothels in some countries) exists in New Westminster or Canada.
- Current Model (Criminalization): The PCEPA criminalizes associated activities, pushing the trade underground despite the act itself not being illegal.
- Decriminalization: Would remove criminal penalties for consensual adult sex work between workers and clients, focusing instead on regulation for safety and combating exploitation/trafficking. This is advocated by many health and human rights groups.
- Legalization: Involves government regulation (e.g., licensing brothels, mandatory health checks). This is not the Canadian model and faces criticism for potentially creating a two-tier system and excluding many workers.
Where Does Street-Based Sex Work Occur in New Westminster?
Street-based sex work in New Westminster is not as widespread or concentrated as in some neighbouring municipalities like Vancouver, but it does exist, primarily in specific industrial or less-residential areas, often near major transportation routes. Locations can shift over time due to police pressure, community complaints, or worker safety strategies. Common areas historically or presently include parts of the Brow of the Hill neighbourhood and certain industrial zones near Front Street or along the Fraser River.
Why Do Some Sex Workers Work on the Street?
Street-based work is often the most visible but also the most dangerous sector. Workers might choose or be forced into it due to:
- Barriers to Indoor Work: Lack of funds for incall space, inability to advertise online effectively, lack of phone/tech.
- Substance Use Issues: Needing immediate cash to support addiction.
- Exploitation/Coercion: Control by a pimp or trafficker.
- Lack of Alternatives: Discrimination, homelessness, criminal records limiting other options.
It highlights the failure of the criminalized model to protect the most vulnerable.
How Can Sex Workers Access Support Services in New Westminster?
Several local and regional organizations offer crucial support, prioritizing harm reduction and health:
- SWAN Vancouver (Supporting Women’s Alternatives Network): While based in Vancouver, serves the region. Provides culturally specific support, advocacy, and outreach for im/migrant women in sex work, including support around exiting if desired.
- Fraser Health Authority Harm Reduction Services: Offers sexual health clinics, STI testing/treatment, access to condoms/lube, naloxone training/kits, and connections to addiction treatment. The Positive Living Fraser Valley branch may offer specific support.
- New Westminster Police Victim Services: Can provide support and referrals for workers experiencing violence or exploitation, though trust in police is often low.
- Foundry New Westminster: Offers integrated health and social services for youth (12-24), including mental health, substance use, and sexual health support, potentially relevant for young adults in the trade.
Where Can Sex Workers Get Legal Advice in New Westminster?
Accessing legal advice is critical:
- PACE Society (Vancouver): Provides free legal advice clinics specifically for sex workers (current and former) in the Lower Mainland, including help with criminal charges, human rights, housing, and income assistance.
- Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS): Offers free legal services for low-income individuals in BC, including human rights and police complaints.
- Access Pro Bono: Connects low-income individuals with volunteer lawyers for free legal advice and representation.
Many workers are hesitant to seek legal help due to stigma and fear of repercussions, making outreach by trusted organizations vital.
What Safety Risks Do Sex Workers Face and How Can They Reduce Them?
Sex workers, especially those street-based or marginalized, face significant risks:
- Violence: Physical and sexual assault from clients, pimps, strangers.
- Theft/Robbery: Clients taking money without paying, or stealing belongings.
- Police Harassment/Arrest: Charges for communicating or working indoors.
- Stigma/Discrimination: Barriers to housing, healthcare, banking, and other services.
- Health Risks: STIs, overdose, lack of access to healthcare.
What Are Key Harm Reduction Strategies for Sex Workers?
Workers and support organizations employ various strategies:
- Buddy Systems/Screening: Checking in with colleagues, sharing client info (“bad date” lists), screening clients carefully.
- Safer Indoor Spaces: Working indoors significantly reduces risks compared to the street.
- Safer Sex Practices: Consistent condom/dental dam use.
- Naloxone Carrying: To reverse opioid overdoses.
- Accessing Support Services: Regular health check-ups, connecting with outreach workers.
- Financial Literacy/Safety: Securing money, avoiding carrying large sums.
Harm reduction accepts that sex work happens and focuses on minimizing the associated dangers.
How Does the Community View Sex Work in New Westminster?
Views are diverse and often polarized:
- Resident Concerns: Some residents and businesses near areas with visible street-based work express concerns about public nuisance, discarded condoms/needles, perceived safety issues, and impacts on property values.
- Advocacy & Support: Local health organizations, social justice groups, and some residents advocate for the decriminalization of sex work, emphasizing worker safety, human rights, and addressing root causes like poverty and lack of housing.
- Stigma & Discrimination: Pervasive stigma creates barriers for workers seeking to exit the industry or access services without judgment.
- Municipal Response: The City of New Westminster works with police and health authorities, often focusing on enforcement and displacement rather than addressing the underlying structural issues or implementing comprehensive harm reduction strategies specifically for sex workers.
Are There Efforts Towards Decriminalization or Better Support Locally?
While major legal change is federal, local efforts focus on support and harm reduction:
- Advocacy: Local health authorities (Fraser Health) and organizations like SWAN advocate nationally for decriminalization and provide frontline support.
- Service Provision: Fraser Health integrates harm reduction principles into its services accessible to sex workers in New West.
- Police Policies: Discussions sometimes occur about shifting enforcement priorities towards protecting workers from violence rather than arresting them, though practice varies significantly.
- Community Dialogue: Limited public forums or initiatives exist specifically in New West to build understanding, though broader Metro Vancouver discussions influence local perspectives.
Significant systemic change requires federal law reform.
What Should Someone Do If They Want to Exit Sex Work?
Exiting can be complex and requires tailored support:
- Contact Specialized Support Services: Organizations like SWAN Vancouver and PACE Society offer exit support programs, including counselling, skills training, housing assistance, and connections to education/job training. WISH Drop-In Centre Society in Vancouver also provides critical support and referrals.
- Access Government Supports: Connect with BC Income Assistance, disability services if applicable, and WorkBC for employment services. Outreach workers can assist with navigating these systems.
- Seek Housing Support: Contact Lookout Housing and Health Society or other local shelters/supportive housing providers. Stable housing is often the first step.
- Mental Health & Addiction Support: Access counselling and treatment through Fraser Health Mental Health & Substance Use services or Foundry (for youth).
- Build a Support Network: Connect with peers, counsellors, and supportive friends/family.
The path is individual, and support must be non-judgmental and address the person’s specific needs and goals.
