Our response to the conflation of Human Trafficking and Sex Work 

 

ANSWERS recognizes that during the past two decades the anti-human trafficking organizations have controlled the narrative surrounding Sex Work in Canada, and they have held power over our movement by encouraging harmful policies and negative stereotypes about Sex Workers. This myth propagation turned Canadian society against Sex Work in order to eradicate the industry, and the resulting stigma has resulted in unnecessary harm to Sex Workers. 

 

Aligning the work of Sex Workers and anti-human trafficking organizations has indeed proven to be a challenging endeavor, primarily due to the presence of these harmful policies and negative stereotypes surrounding Sex Workers. It also creates barriers to engaging sex workers as important Allies in addressing human trafficking. We believe that working towards collaboration between these groups, holds the potential to reduce harm for all involved.

 

We wholeheartedly urge anti-trafficking organizations in Canada to actively seek education and insights from Sex Workers themselves, acknowledging and addressing the substantial vulnerabilities resulting from the criminalization of Sex Work. Additionally, it is crucial for these organizations to take a clear stance on the decriminalization of Sex Work, as abstaining from a position on this matter inherently implies a position that may disregard the well-being and protection of Sex Workers. By following these recommendations, we can work towards creating a safer and more compassionate environment that prioritizes the rights and well-being of Sex Workers while effectively combating human trafficking.

 

ANSWERS condemns human trafficking and the false narrative being promoted by many anti trafficking groups who conflate Sex Work with human trafficking, and for whom the goal is destruction or abolition of the Sex Work community as a whole.