The Sexual Health Centre on Peter’s Street, Cork, has launched its #SafeRsexwork campaign, to highlight the need for escorts and sex workers to avail of the supports available to them during the COVID-19 outbreak.
“While it is most advisable for sex workers and escorts to take time off work if at all possible, some individuals will not have that option, and those individuals deserve to have the information and support required, to help them to stay safe at this time,” said Dr. Martin Davoren, the Executive Director of the Sexual Health Centre.
“The #SafeRsexwork campaign offers a practical, step-by-step harm reduction guide for individuals undertaking sex work and escort work during the COVID-19 outbreak.
“In line with our client-centred approach, the Sexual Health Centre consulted with sex workers and escorts across the country, including representatives from Sex Workers’ Alliance Ireland (SWAI), to ensure a relevant and supportive resource would be available to those who must continue to work at this challenging time.
“This campaign follows the Centre’s recent #SafeRsex campaign, which detailed the impact of COVID-19 on issues related to sexual relationships, including condom access and Sexually Transmitted Infections.
“Many sex workers and escorts are in a particularly vulnerable position at this time. It is crucial that these workers are aware of the risks imposed by COVID-19, and the resources that are available to them during the pandemic.
“There are several organisations, including ours, that are still operating, to offer a variety of supports to sex workers in Ireland and I would strongly urge anyone who needs help to avail of these supports at this challenging time.
The Sexual Health Centre has had to adapt all of its services – for example, counselling is now taking place online and over the phone, and a free condom mail-out system is in operation.
“Our service users can be assured that all of our staff are still fully committed to meeting clients’ needs and ensuring service delivery with no bias, no judgement, no exception,” noted Dr. Davoren.
The Sexual Health Centre operates a free condom postal service which anyone can avail of by contacting the Centre at 021-4276676 or info@sexualhealthcentre.com. It is not necessary to confirm whether one is undertaking sex work. Sex workers can ask for “the bag” – a variety of condoms and a suitable quantity will be sent to the postal address provided, free of charge. No information on the recipient will be stored. The Centre’s outreach worker can be contacted at susanwalsh@sexualhealthcentre.com.
The #SafeRsexwork campaign is available on Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Click here for the PDF version of our #SafeRsexwork campaign.
