December 17th, 2007
December 17th is International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. This event was created to call attention to hate crimes committed against sex workers all over the globe.
Originally thought of by Dr. Annie Sprinkle and started by the Sex Workers Outreach Project USA in 2003 as a memorial and vigil for the victims of the Green River Killer in Seattle Washington. International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers has empowered workers from over 30 cities around the world to come together and organize against discrimination and remember victims of violence.
During the week of December 17, 2007, sex worker rights organizations will be staging actions and vigils to raise awareness about violence that is commonly committed against sex workers. The assault, battery, rape and murder of sex workers must end. Existing laws prevent sex workers from reporting violence. The stigma and discrimination that is perpetuated by the prohibitionist laws has made violence against us acceptable. Please join in drawing attention to this around the world with the 5th annual International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers.
We would like to add your event to our new DEC 17th website please check out our work in progress and please send pictures.
If you or your organization are holding an event please email your info. Contact SWOP-USA
If your organization would like to help sponsor an event in your local area please send your contact info.
Please go to the website for Dr. Annie Sprinkle’s ‘10 Things You Can Do for International Day to end Violence Against Sex Workers.
We encourage participants to carry red umbrellas on Dec 17th as a symbol of international solidarity for sex workers’ rights!