International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers

Genesis activities to support 17th December started with an event hosted in partnership by Genesis and West Yorkshire Police at Elland Road Police Station which a range of partner agencies attended. Rosie our CEO spoke about key global issues related to violence against sex workers that have been to the fore during 2014. She led a remembrance for all sex workers who have been victims of murder, violence and hate crimes, the four women working as sex workers in the UK who have been murdered during 2014 were specifically remembered. Emily Turner, Genesis Acting Team Leader/Adult Outreach Worker described the work Genesis has been carrying out during 2014 in partnership with West Yorkshire Police to address crimes against sex workers by improving ugly mugs, working closely with the police sex work liaison officer, improving confidence in the police amongst sex workers to increase reporting as well as improving the support given to sex worker victims of crime. Inspector Chris Bowen gave a statement of support for the 17th December and affirmed West Yorkshire Police’s commitment to preventing violence against sex workers and taking all crimes committed against sex workers seriously. All speakers welcomed the improvements that had been made during 2014 in Leeds with a significant increase in the reporting of crimes committed against sex workers to the police. Genesis is proud to be working with West Yorkshire Police, Safer Leeds and a range of other partner agencies to prevent crimes against sex workers, communicating the message that crimes against sex workers will not be tolerated.

Genesis staff hosted a 17th December Xmas lunch with our service users to mark the day!  Following this staff, service users and volunteers held a red umbrella  gathering on the steps of Leeds Town Hall. The red umbrella is the global symbol of sex worker rights, including their right to protection from violence.