Sex Workers & Disabled "Getting a Grip"

PRESS RELEASE

SEX WORKERS AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES "GETTING A GRIP"

Today thirty four people attended the first forum in New Zealand to specifically address issues related to people with disabilities accessing sex workers.

Saul, an ex-pat sex worker now living in Sydney returned to facilitate this forum. Saul helped to set up the Touching Base Committee, NSW, which has been addressing these issues for the last two and a half years.

The workshop was attended by service providers to people with disabilities, sex workers, people with disabilities and politicians, who gathered for two and a half hours to cover a range of related issues. Issues covered included: The effects of stigma, myths and prejudice, rights for people with disabilities and for sex workers, legal implications and other barriers to accessing sex workers.

While some people with disabilities are currently accessing sex workers, it has been the implementation of the Disability Strategy and in particular Objective 9, which has encouraged service providers to directly address these issues.

The Disability Strategy, Objective 9 states:

"To support lifestyle choices, recreation and culture for disabled people. Actions: 9:1 Support disabled people in making, their own choices about their relationships, sexuality and reproductive potential." (Disability Strategy, p. 28).

ENDS

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