Today is D17: International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers #IDEVASW #DEcember17 which began as a vigil for the sex workers murdered by the Green River Killer (thread)
Graphics by @spacebabesart

We believe that violence is largely inflicted on sex workers because of power dynamics and not the nature of the work. Other root causes of violence against SWers are economic disparities and legal issues, especially criminalization #decrimnow

Utah is ranked 11th highest in rates of sexual assault nationally and is not immune to SW-specific violence. On Sept 28, 2020, the body of a 23 year old was found in an SLC parking lot and identified as a possible street-based sex worker.

In 2004, the homicide rate for female sex workers in the United States was estimated to be 204 per 100,000. This figure is considerably higher than the next riskiest occupations in the US during a similar period (liquor store workers and male taxicab drivers).

During this week, sex worker communities and social justice organizations stage actions, vigils and raise awareness about violence commonly committed against sex workers. We’ve retweeted several virtual events taking place today.

To support sex workers in Salt Lake City and SWOPSLC in our advocacy, you can:
-make in-kind donations for our outreach program
-purchase materials to make hygiene kits
-donate to our PayPal or buy an item off our wish list: https://linktr.ee/swopslc