how the victims “were subjected to sexualized violence stemming from the hatred of sex workers,” though there is no evidence suggesting the victims were involved in the sex trade. Red Canary Song also wrote that they “reject the call for increased policing.”
According to Wu, an organizer with Red Canary Song, policing and criminalization don’t keep people in the sex trade, especially those of color, safe from gender-based violence. Instead, to protect and support them, the collective helps them organize; offers legal support, know your rights trainings, and direct financial support; and advocates for decriminalization of the sex trade.
“Race, immigration status, class, status as a sex worker — all of that could make someone more vulnerable to violence and police violence,” Wu said, noting how people of color who are in the sex trade are more likely to be subjected to violence — including by police., a U.S.
“When we provide survivors with options for what they feel most comfortable with, reporting increases,” Levine said. “Fighting to eradicate sexual violence means creating a culture that allows survivors to come forward without a fear of facing retaliation and punishment, or further trauma at the hands of our carceral system.
What does your organization do to assists survivors who are victims of sanctioned retaliation?