SXA-Info/Verein Frauenservice

Information and counseling for sex workers and multipliers

Who do you work with?

We work with active and former sex woprkers or people who would like to work as sex workers (all genders) by providing information and counselling services.
We also offer information regarding sex work to people and organisations.
One of our goals is, to support sex workers in their fight for their rights.

How are sex workers involved in your organisation?

One colleague is a cultural mediator with experience in sex work.

Which of NSWP priority areas does your organisation work on?
Oppose the criminalisation and other legal oppression of sex work and support its recognition as work
Critique the trafficking paradigm that conflates representations of sex work, migration, and mobility
Advocate for universal access to health services, including primary health care, HIV and sexual and reproductive health services
Speak out about violence against sex workers, including violence from police, institutions, clients, and intimate partners, while challenging the myth that sex work is inherently gender-based violence
Oppose human rights abuses, including coercive programming, mandatory testing, raids and forced rehabilitation
Challenge stigma and discrimination against sex workers, their families and partners, and others involved in sex work
Advocate for the economic empowerment and social inclusion of sex workers as sex workers
What are the two main challenges that the sex workers you work with face

1) Sex workers in Austria can only work on a freelance basis and it is not possible for them to form any kind of professional lobbying. Sex work is not considered a "real profession".
2) Every region/province in Austria has its own laws on prostitution which can make it confusing and can lead to severe consequences. Because of the legal situation, sex workers face a lot of stigmatisation, as well as discrimination. Example: sexual assault might be seen as an occupational risk, rather than taken as an assault/offence.

Describe other areas of your work

Verein Frauenservoce is known for its work in the areas of counseling, research and education.

Region
Country
Autriche