Nottingham-based sex workers and former industry workers urged to trial a new safety tool. Co-designed with sex workers, researchers ready for industry testing. Dr. Larissa Sandy of Nottingham Univ. Sociology School & Sam Richardson-Martin from POW Nottingham drive for improved crime reporting, targeting safety.
Tool aims to boost justice access anonymously; assists in investigations if reported to police, curbing re-traumatization. Stats show street-based sex workers face 12x higher workplace violence risks. Prevailing police relations limit justice access, hampering reporting.
UK's legal sex work is marred by illegal facets, deterring workers from reporting crimes fearing arrest or stigma. Initial workshops saw oversubscription; similar expectations for success.
Participants engage in scenario-based workshops and interviews, testing the tool with POW Nottingham's police liaison officer. Novel evaluation methods including cognitive interviews for question design and memory recall employed.
Dr. Sandy lauded sex workers' contributions, key in shaping the tool's usability. Richardson-Martin at POW Nottingham sees the tool as empowering for sex workers, fostering agency amid violence.
Excitement brews among POW Nottingham staff and supported sex workers for the tool's potential effectiveness in tackling physical and sexual violence.