Female Sex Workers’ Perceptions of Front-line Police Officer’s Ability to Ensure Their Safety in St. John's, Newfoundland

The influence of stigma and discrimination on sex workers’ perceptions of safety is not well documented outside of Canada’s three largest provinces—Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec. This qualitative preliminary study examines sex workers’ perceptions of front-line police officer’s ability to ensure their safety. This research draws on four semi-structured in-depth interviews with female-identifying sex workers in X. Guided by an anti-oppressive social justice framework, our thematic analysis of the interviews identified three major findings. First, police and public stigma impacted sex workers’ ability to work safely, to interact with law enforcement, and to combat the interpersonal violence committed against them. Second, the need for alternative means of safety outside of police protection was expressed. Specifically, sex workers often depended on personal safety plans and the help and support of other sex workers to reduce their risk and exposure to violence. Third, existing provincial and federal legislation impacted sex workers’ ability to remain safe at work. Findings suggest the need for ongoing research to understand the challenges and barriers to sex workers’ safety, so that they can be addressed through evidence-informed, stigma reduction strategies.