RhED primarily works with sex workers; female, male, trans and gender diverse, and their families, partners and friends. As we are a service for the whole sex industry, we also work with clients and third parties such as managers and owners of sex industry businesses.
Sex work experience is essential for all our volunteers, some of whom become casual or full time paid staff. Sex workers are paid for participating in reference groups and working parties, ensuring that we remain representative as an organisation.
Sex workers in Victoria, Australia work under a licensing system in relation to their industry. As a result of this legalised system of sex work, a two tiered system exists in Victoria where parts of the industry are criminalised. Criminalised sex workers face legal consequences in relation to their work. Sex workers working legally in Victoria still face high levels of stigma and discrimination in relation to their work.
RhED provides advocacy, support, education, information, referrals, interpreter services and translated materials. RhED has an Arrest Referral Program which was instrumental in developing a special court session at the Melbourne Magistrates Court in Victoria, Australia for sex workers charged with work related offences and other non-violent crimes.