B9.1 Street Based Sex Workers Needs Assessment_Flavia Genovese

Street Based Sex Workers Needs Assessment Presenters: Norma, Judy, Sushi and Flavia

Objectives    

Overview of Needs Assessment Share findings Share recommendations Next steps

Introduction   

In 2012: Cross regional network Goals of the network Objectives of the Needs Assessment

Video

Methodology   

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Community based research approach Experiential researchers Survey asked a set of questions with some closed and open ended questions Sample size of 100 respondents from three areas:  Toronto, Barrie and Oshawa.

Key Findings 

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63% are between the age of 31-50 years old 68% identified as Caucasian 50% didn’t graduate high school 42% reported being precariously housed or homeless 94% use drugs

Key Findings around Health      

68% reported having health concerns Only 7% rated their health condition as very good 65% have rated their health condition as fair to very poor 44% reported not having a family doctor.

23% reported never seeing a health care provider 41% never disclose they are a sex worker to a service provider

Barriers:            

Hours of operation of services Transportation Poverty Chaotic drug use Not enough low threshold services No 24 hr drop-in No health card Fear Attitudes of staff Lack of knowledge around drug use and trauma Lack of understanding of transgender issues Stigma

Recommendations 

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1) Increase access to health services and provide non-judgmental /non- discriminatory services 2) Strengthen coalition activities to advocate for street based sex workers 3) Employ more peer workers to help sex workers access services 4) Increase awareness about harm reduction and provide harm reduction services 5) Strengthen & Expand Bad Date Coalition 6) Improve access to affordable and supportive housing 7) Increase access to safe spaces 8) Develop services specifically for street based sex workers 9) Develop alternatives for sex workers planning to exit sex work

Knowledge Mobilization 

Shared the Needs Assessment findings with:    

Staff at RPCHC Sherbourne Health Centre Street Nurses Network The Homeless CAP

Our Next Steps 

Train a minimum of 50 health care workers in 10 health care organization around:  how to engage marginalized sex workers  how to build rapport  how to assess for and address high risk situations  how to utilize tools such as an emergency response plan  how to make relevant referrals.

CFPC Conflict of Interest

Disclosure of Commercial Support Presenter Disclosure Presenters: Flavia Genovese, Norma Neal, Judy Hyndman and Sushi R. Relationships with commercial interests: • • • •

Grants/Research Support: Speakers Bureau/Honoraria: Consulting Fees: Other:

None None None None

Thank you Email: flaviag@regentparkchc.org