Harm Reduction and Decriminalization of Sex Work: Introduction to the Special Section

Abstract

Introduction: This special section of Sexuality Research and Social Policy, edited by Belinda Brooks-Gordon, Max Morris and Teela Sanders, has its origins in a colloquium sponsored by the University of Cambridge Socio-Legal Group in 2020. The goal was to promote the exchange of ideas between a variety of disciplinary research fields and applied perspectives on harm reduction and the decriminalization of sex work. The colloquium took place during the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic in February 2020. Methods: We explore the impact of Covid-19 on understandings of sex work, outline the basic underpinning legal philosophical question, explore the intersectional politics of decriminalization, summarize contemporary international health and human rights campaigns, explore contemporary public opinion trends on the issue, and illustrate the universal principles. Finally, we summarize the special section papers (N=12). Results: The Covid pandemic provided a lens through which to analyse the changes that have occurred in sex work and sex work research in the past decade and it also exacerbated intersecting inequalities, accelerated many social shifts already in motion whilst changing the course of others. In combination the papers in this special issue examine sex work policy and research across 12 countries in four continents to provide and important space for international and cross-cultural comparison. Conclusions: We present the timely contributions of diverse authors and comment on the significance of their research projects which support a decriminalization policy agenda for the benefit of academics, policymakers and practitioners to improve public health strategies and international responses. Policy Implications: The research here amplifies the focus on harm reduction and strengthens the case for public policy that decriminalizes commercial sex between consenting adults as the best strategy to reduce harm.

Psychosocial factors associated with overdose subsequent to Illicit Drug use: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

“…The context may then be at least partially characterised by risky drug use and frequent violence at the micro level -a common experience among sex workers operating in a social environment of gendered norms and unequal power dynamics -which is enabled by public policy at the macro level which marginalises sex workers and leaves them vulnerable to harms related to drug use [105,106]. These findings speak to the urgent need to cease using criminal law to enforce morals upon income generation and strengthen the previously elucidated case for this as the best strategy to reduce harms experienced by sex workers [107].…”

Experiences of Sex Workers in Chicago during COVID-19: A Qualitative Study

“…In addition, the decriminalization of sex work has been shown to successfully prevent HIV among sex workers and their partners [49]. The reduction of punitive actions that corresponds with the decriminalization of sex work allows for health, safety, and financial opportunities to consenting adults who trade sex.…”

“…Our findings show that COVID-19 exacerbated previous physical and mental health disparities and contributed to additional economic instability and lack of safety among sex workers in Chicago. The criminalization of sex work forced this work to exist in the informal economy and on the inability to access safety net programs such as unemployment benefits, resulting in potential health-compromising and risk-taking behaviors for survival [45,49]. Decriminalization policies would help formalize and stabilize income related to sex work and protect this marginalized community.…”

Predicting Attitudes Towards the Exchange of Sexual Services for Payment: Variance in Gender Gaps Across the Nordic Countries

“…Over the past two decades, various actors have attended to questions concerning the exchange of sexual services for payment, including governments, national and international organizations, and influential companies (Brooks-Gordon et al, 2021;Skilbrei, 2019). A move towards a more liberal treatment of commercial sex that centers around decriminalization and sex workers' rights is observable in Belgium, New Zealand, the Netherlands, South Africa, and parts of Australia (Armstrong, 2016;Macioti et al, 2023;Richter et al, 2022;Skilbrei, 2019).…”