Wellington Police and NZ Prostitutes' Collective members outside Wellington Police Station. Photo / Emme McKay
Wellington Police and NZ Prostitutes' Collective members outside Wellington Police Station. Photo / Emme McKay
The New Zealand Police and the Prostitutes' Collective have teamed together in a world-first partnership to create a guide for sex workers who have experienced sexual assault.
The 41-page pamphlet was launched today in Wellington, on the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers.
The pamphlet includes information oncare, support networks and how to report sexual assault to Police.
A guide for sex workers who have experienced sexual assault. NZ Herald / Emme McKay
Detective Senior Sergeant Haley Ryan said the idea came about after an incident in the Hutt Valley involving a sex worker being attacked in her home.
Dame Catherine Healy, the Prostitutes' Collective National Co-ordinator, said sex workers often angst about whether to step up and come out about sexual violence and assault.
"It's always a moment where you have to assess a lot of risks that other people don't have to necessarily.
"It's to do with stigma, will I be judged as a sex worker? How will I be received? Will I be told off for putting myself at risk... all of those stand as a barrier for coming forward."
Healy said it meant a lot for sex workers and also sent a message internationally that New Zealand plays a significant role for the human rights of sex workers.
She said it was an "unique" co-branding of the two organisations and it would be a world-first.
The pamphlet will be available across the country and online for anyone in the sex industry.
