The Sex Industry in Canada

The West Coast Cooperative of Sex Industry Professionals (WCCSIP) is a cooperative sex trade enterprise formed by a group of sex workers from Vancouver. During the 2010 Olympic Games, they planned to open a brothel and the cooperative was developed as part of the plan.

The members of the cooperative include prostitutes, exotic dancers, and porn stars. Here are some important things you should know about WCCSIP.

1.    They are concerned about the health and safety of the sex workers. An indoor setting will be provided for the workers to conduct business. Necessary training will be given to the workers to help workers to be more conscious about health risks in this business. They will be taught to take the appropriate measures so that they don’t pose any harm to their and the client’s health. Some of the more affluent people are able to afford something special when they go on vacation, they book an exotic ride in Rome or other places in Europe from a luxury car rental agency.

2.    WCCSIP will provide necessary training for the sex workers to work in other fields as well, like the catering or publishing business. This will give them choices and will expand their resumes. They will have the opportunity to work in other fields that are not illegal like prostitution.

3.    The group will work towards decriminalizing prostitution so that brothels can be opened. This way the sex workers will get a safe environment to work. The sex workers can rent the brothel room for as low as $2. The rooms will be secured with a hidden alarm button. There will be a reception room as well for extra security.

4.    The group addresses people all every gender and class. So, it includes the men, women, and trans-individuals as well. People of various capacities and classes are included here. It includes the First Nations, Black workers, Asian, Caucasian, and others.

5.    WCCSIP will create labor standards to improve the occupational health and safety of the sex workers. This will create a better working environment for the sex workers and give the clients a better experience as well.

6.    The cooperative will provide micro-loans for school scholarships, small businesses, and counseling for the sex workers. This will give them options to lead their lives the way they want to. So, they will have a choice to leave the brothels and lead a better life. Possibly they could drive through LA in a convertible one day, who knows?

WCCSIP is currently seeking funds to implement all their plans. Currently, the cooperative has 65,000 members. It is working to improve the lives of many sex workers. They are working towards reducing the violence of outdoor sex workers by providing good indoor facilities.

By working indoors, the sex workers will be able to control how they work. By implementing the plans of WCCSIP, the sex industry will be a better place to work in and the sex workers’ rights will be protected. They will also get the respect they deserve.

6 trends to watch out in the sex industry

When we talk about the progress of various industries and think of ways to improve them, we often ignore the sex industry. It is always hidden in the background. But it’s a huge industry and it’s growing.

In Canada, cooperatives like WCCSIP, are working toward improving the condition. They have come up with the ‘Leading the Way’ project to provide a better work environment for the sex workers in Canada.

Technology has a great impact on this industry. As this industry is growing despite the government restrictions, here are some trends you should know about.

Decriminalization of sex work

In many countries, sex works are criminalized. That means it’s illegal to do any kind of sex business. People cannot offer sex for money and the operations of brothels are stopped. However, these laws don’t affect the sex industry. The people running such businesses are still working undercover and there is high demand for these services as well.

This situation is leading to health hazards. It is also making the work environment unsafe for the sex workers. There is no regulation or law concerning the worker’s health or the work environment like the other occupations. So, if the sex work is decriminalized, there will be proper regulations in place to preserve the rights of the sex workers.

High demand for pornography

We live in a world where we cannot imagine a world without pornography. According to a recent study, pornography makes for 30% of the Internet traffic. Pornography constitutes billions of dollars to US economy. A similar picture is seen in other countries as well.

Technology will play an important role

Sex offerings will not be limited to having sex with a sex worker. The augmented reality and robotics will provide more service options to clients. People can now have virtual sex over the Internet. There are many online dating and pornographic sites that allow virtual sex.

Sex will be more intimate

People like the ‘girlfriend experience’ rather than the ‘porn-star’ experience. So, the sex workers will give more personalized services to make the relationship more intimate. The sex worker may provide gifts, cards, etc. to make the experience more real and intimate.

Better business

A sex worker will not have to stand on the streets to get clients. They can have their own websites and attract clients through their own platform. This way they can cut off the intermediary and have better control of their business.

Involvement of mainstream organizations

The mainstream organizations will give importance to the role the sex industry plays in the economy of the country. They will recognize the potential of this industry to bring in revenue. PETA, for example, launched a .xxx site for promoting vegetarianism.  Sony Entertainment also partnered with Playboy to launch PlayStation Vita.

In many countries, the sex industry accounts for a significant portion of the country’s revenue. These trends indicate that the industry will grow and become like any other business. So, they won’t operate undercover anymore and there will be strict regulations in place to monitor the safety of the sex workers.

7 Ways to Ensure a Safe Work Environment for the Sex Workers

The working conditions are very bad posing health risks to the sex workers and the clients. Steps should be taken to improve the situation.]

The new law passed in 2014 by the conservative government on the sex industry has criminalized sexual services in Canada. This law has created a huge impact on the work environment of the sex workers.

Though it is illegal to have sex for money, the sex industry is still operating on hidden grounds. It is forbidden to have sex in a public place or even talk to clients in public. Brothels and other places are prohibited. There is no policy or regulation to control the health standards and work environment related to this job.

So, the sex workers have to compromise the working conditions all the time. Here are some ways to provide a safe work environment for the sex workers.

New regulation in place

The Sex Work Regulations 2016 promotes the safety of the sex workers. It ensures the protection of sex workers from health risks, violence, and exploitation. The regulation will ensure the health and safety of the sex workers.

Safe working place

The brothels should have communication devices and hidden alarms to ensure the security of the sex workers when they are providing service. If the sex worker feels unsafe to work, she will have the right to stop working immediately.

Providing necessary supplies

The sex workers should be given free condoms and lubricants. This will ensure safe sex and so there will be less risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

Keeping the workplace clean

The used condoms should be safely disposed of. The bedding of brothels should be clean. There should be clean towels available and after every service, the premise must be cleaned thoroughly to reduce the chances of any infection.

Preventing sexual assault

Many sex workers become victims of sexual assaults. Whenever they feel threatened by their clients, they should be able to call law enforcement for help.

Treatment for injury

There should be a medical team so that if an injury occurs while giving sex service, it can be dealt with immediately. Compensation should be provided to workers if they get injured.

Monitor drug usage

The alcohol and drug use should be monitored. Consumption of too much alcohol or drug may lead to violence and sexual assault.

The sex workers are vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections. Also, complications like unintended pregnancy, abortion, violence, etc. are common in the sex industry. Awareness for practicing safe sex should be promoted. The workplace for sex workers should be healthy and clean. The brothels should have the proper license to operate and they should meet the safety work standards. Workplace inspections should be conducted regularly to ensure that the workplace is safe for the sex workers.

CAEC’s Role in the Canada Sex Industry

Prostitution is a profession that is not accepted in many countries as legal. Still, most countries have sex workers working on the shadow. The nature of the work, health concerns, safe work environment, society, and other factors make prostitution an illegal profession.

Like many other countries, the current law in Canada makes prostitution illegal. According to this law, it is illegal to advertise sexual service or have sex for money. Prostitution is now seen as a form of sexual exploitation. It affects women in a negative way.

The sex industry is a great concern for the Canadian Society and the CAEC is working towards improving the situation. The CAEC has offered formation of a review committee to make sure that there are transparency and accountability in this industry. This will ensure that ethical industry practices are followed.

The CAEC will also ensure that there is no exploitation of youth and no issue of trafficking in this industry. The review committee will monitor the industry closely to make sure that trafficking doesn’t take place. It is crime and it has negative effects on the lives of the young girls.

There will be workshops to discuss the current environment of sex workers and how to improve the condition. Occupational health and safety training will be developed so that the sex workers can make safe decisions.  They will be able to provide a better service in a safe environment.

There will be a certification process that will ensure that the business or brand conducting such business has met the health standards. There will also be a penalty system for violation of standards. This will improve the health conditions of the sex workers. There will be less risk of sexually transmitted diseases like HIV or STD.

Some protests are going on to bring the current laws down related to sex work. However, this will only be possible if the industry self-govern and police itself. The people in this industry should respect each other and collaborate to make it a safer place to work.

Prostitution can be decriminalized if the safe environment can be ensured for the sex workers, trafficking can be stopped and self-governance and policing be implemented so that it doesn’t affect the society at large.

Despite the law for criminalizing prostitution in Canada, many sex workers think that they should be given the chance to have their own living. They think that they have the right to work without creating any threat to the society.

That’s why the authorities like CAEC who are part of this industry are thinking of some reform of the law. This can only be possible if all the stakeholders, workers, and the health care providers work together to make it a better place to work in.

7 Reasons Women Join the Sex Trade

The sex trade is a huge business. It earns a lot of revenue every year. Though some women find it a very lucrative business, many women come here not as a choice. They are often forced to work here due to circumstances. Here are the major reasons why women join the sex trade.

Unemployment

The rate of unemployment is increasing. Many women are forced to join this trade as they cannot find a suitable job to run the family. There are many single mothers who have to raise their children and this might become their only option. Women also become sex workers to bear their daily expense and to improve their income level.

Extra money

Many teenagers join prostitution to pay for their tuition fees. They often leave the industry after they save a considerable amount of money. Many see prostitution as a way to pass through difficult financial times, like getting settled after a divorce or paying for loans, etc.

Not being educated

Many girls leave school or college very early due to various reasons. Being not very educated leaves them with fewer career options. Prostitution is a profession where you don’t need much education or skill. You can work as a sex worker only if you have the looks and body.

Child abuse

There have been many cases where girls join prostitution as a result of child abuse. Due to a difficult childhood, their mental orientation becomes abnormal and they join prostitution. Sometimes, the parents force them to join this trade.

Drug

People join this industry by earning money to pay for their drugs. Those who are drug addicted find it difficult to continue a decent job. They often get fired for their addiction and prostitution is the only way they can get money to buy drugs.

Curiosity

Many people join prostitution out of sexual curiosity. They think of it as a fantasy world where they can explore their sexuality. They find this world glamorous. They like dressing up and attracting men. They are often happy to be prostitutes.

Sex trafficking

Sex trafficking is a crime and many young girls are becoming victims of it. They have to join prostitution against their will. Even girls as young as ten years old are trafficked from other countries and are forced to join this business. This is one of the reasons why prostitution is illegal in most countries. It is considered as exploitation of women.

Whatever the reason people get into prostitution, you have to realize that it’s a big business. So, it is important to ensure good working condition and safe environment for the sex workers.

People should be educated about the sexually transmitted diseases and the importance of practicing safe sex. Sex trafficking should be stopped and young girls should be given the opportunity to lead a good life.

6 Differences between an Escort Service and Prostitution Service

Though many people consider an escort service and prostitution service to be similar, they are actually quite different. Escort services are generally offered to the high-class people. Here we are going to discuss the differences between these services.

1.    An escort gives companionship and time to the client. There may or may not be any sex involved. The escort will accompany the client to different places. She will talk to the client, have dinner with him at expensive restaurants, stay at luxury hotels or even fly abroad for holiday. A prostitute, on the other hand, provides sex for money. She doesn’t go with the client to different places.

2.    Escorts are professionals. You need to hire them through escort agencies. Though some escorts have their personal websites now to eliminate the need for agencies. You need to book them in advance and pay whatever they demand. On the other hand, you can hire a prostitute from the street. You can bargain with a prostitute regarding the rate per hour.

3.    Escort service is legal as people are not getting paid for sex, but for the companionship. Prostitution is illegal, so the sex workers need to work in the shadow. If they are caught providing sex for money, they will be taken to the jail and penalized.

4.    The escorts are educated and well-trained. They know the high-class etiquettes and so they can easily adjust to the luxurious lifestyle They are well groomed to accompany high profile clients. They can mix well in social gatherings.

Some escorts act like a girlfriend and provide the intimacy and needs that a man wants as a lover. In contrast, a prostitute normally doesn’t go through any kind of training. They just use their own ability to take care of the clients.

5.    Escorts are well groomed and they are made to look like well-bred women to be part of the high society. It is hard to tell whether the escort is a girlfriend, a wife or an escort. They wear sophisticated and stylish clothes that match with the high-class society.

Prostitutes, on the other hand, wear clothes that reveal most of their naked body. It is very easy to tell by their clothing and gestures whether they are prostitutes or not.

6.    The escorts stay in luxury hotel s and ride on luxury cars. They get the best place to work in. Prostitutes often have to stand in the streets for long hours and provide services in unhygienic brothels. The workplace is a big concern for the prostitutes as it causes health risks as well.

The escorts are often considered part of the entertainment industry. They earn huge amount of money and get the opportunity to enjoy a luxury lifestyle. They work for agencies and they are always trained and groomed to meet the demand of the high society clients. So, escort services are actually quite different from the prostitution services.