The Network would like to welcome you for a conversation on how gender-based violence uniquely impacts individuals working in the sex trade. Around the world, sex workers face disproportionately high rates of domestic and gender-based violence, often compounded by stigma, criminalization, and systemic marginalization. Join us to deepen your understanding, explore avenues for advocacy, and learn how we can collectively work toward a future where sex workers are safer, respected, and supported. Together, we’ll examine the importance of decriminalization, dismantling stigma, and promoting human rights–centered approaches to harm reduction.

Participants will gain skills in:

Identifying the connections between sex work and gender-based violence
Understanding the lived experiences of sex workers and the structural conditions that contribute to violence
Analyzing how laws, stigma, and criminalization increase vulnerability to harm

This session is designed especially for domestic violence advocates and professionals, but is open to all. Staff from member organizations, IDHS-funded agencies, grantees, and prevention specialists are encouraged to attend.

The Zoom link will be sent out prior to the session.

Social Work (LSW and LCSW) CEUs are available for this training. Please be sure to indicate clearly in your registration and in your evaluation if you are seeking CEUs.

Sex Work and Gender-Based Violence: Why Destigmatization and Decriminalization Matter