Support and Advocacy for Sex Workers
There are times in everyone’s life when support is needed. Sex workers, in particular may find it difficult to ask for assistance from others because many of us have spent the majority of our lives taking care of ourselves. Today in Vancouver there are organizations that specifically work on the issues of equality and human rights of sex workers through support and advocacy. These organizations provide everything from basic necessities to programming for sex workers whether currently working or exited. Organizations such as PEERS, PACE, WISH, Boy's R Us, and the Mobile Access Project understand the importance of not shaming sex workers and provide non-judgmental service regardless of where they are at in their lives. Some organizations work from an “experiential” model exercising the belief that the best support a sex worker can receive is from an individual who has had a history of sex work himself or herself. Not everyone will feel comfortable accessing any one of these services however each one is reachable by phone and can refer you to a service that works.
Below is a list of organizations, the services they provide and how to contact them.
PACE Society - Offers non-judgmental alternatives and empowerment to those susceptible to, or exiting sex work. Services include counseling, education, advocacy, peer education and support, individual case planning and coordination, access to services for individuals involved in the criminal justice system, and accompaniment.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 10am to 6pm
Address: 416-119 West Pender St. Vancouver, BC
Phone: 604-872-7651
Web: www.pace-society.ca
PEERS Vancouver - Dedicated to the empowerment, education and support of sex workers. Offers three programs (Elements, RISE and Skills Link), counseling, drop-in services and referrals.
Hours: 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday
Address: 323-119 West Pender St. Vancouver, BC
Phone: 604-681-3044
Web: www.peersvancouver.org
SWAN (Sex Workers Advocacy Network) - Ad-hoc volunteer group does advocacy and educational outreach regarding sex work, human trafficking and migrant women.
Address: Vancouver, BC
Phone: 604-687-1868 local 306
WISH (Women's Information Safe Haven) - Provides a safe and caring atmosphere for female sex workers. Offers support, health care services, advocacy, referrals, literacy program, meals, refreshments, showers, condoms, and personal care items.
Address: First United Church (Gore Street entrance) 320 East Hastings St. Vancouver, BC
Phone: 604-681-9244
Web: www.wish-vancouver.net
Boys R Us Program - A weekly drop-in centre for male and transgendered sex workers, serving Vancouver’s Downtown South community. Offers a safe and confidential space for connecting with others including social activities such as dinner and movies. Also helps individuals to access resources such as health care, housing and other community services. Boys R Us is a joint project of VCHA and Aids Vancouver.
Mailing Address ONLY:
320-1290 Hornby St.,
Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1W2
Phone: 604-633-4200
Fax: 604-714-3478
Bad Date Report - current updates on violent or predatory dates by and for sex workers (give or receive information line).
Phone: 604-669-WISH, 604-669-9474
MAP (Mobile Access Project) - Operates in conjunction with WISH Drop-in centre and provides outreach to sex workers (counseling, condoms and clean needles, basic first aid and immediate response to emergency services) as well as Bad Date Reporting.
Hours: 10pm – 5:30 am, 7 days a week
Phone: 604-720-5686
Downtown Eastside Youth Activities Society (DEYAS) - The Downtown Youth Activities Society, helps individuals in Canada's poorest neighborhood survive, get better and make positive changes in their lives. They provide a Youth Outreach Program on the street to help young people begin to address health problems, addiction, homelessness, the troubles of the sex trade, lack of education and unemployment.
Address: 612 Main St., Vancouver, BC
Phone: 604-685-6561
Web: www.deyas.org
Transgender Health Program - Trans-identified Sex Worker Drop-in,
“Taking Care of Business” (TCOB). Weekly support group includes a nutritious meal.
Phone: 604-734-1514 x4 April Sumpter-Fretag
Hours: Monday 5-7pm
Email: transhealth@vch.ca
Transgender Health Program - Peer Support Weekly Drop-in Discussion Group. Open to anyone exploring their own gender issues. Located at Three Bridges and funded by Vancouver Coastal Health.
Phone: 604-734-1514 x1 (general info, no registration required)
Hours: Thursdays 5-6:30 pm
Address: 310-1290 Hornby St., Vancouver, BC
Email: transhealth@vch.ca
