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Hidden for survival
Emma, Kellie and Joanne, Peer Research Team 'Voices Heard', South Shields
Abstract
We are a group of people that came together with an interest in sex work and hidden markets within Sunderland, South Tyneside, North Tyneside, Gateshead and Newcastle. We have all had issues with problematic drug use and links to the sex industry which has afforded us the unique insight into sex work and hidden populations.
We have carried out a piece of independent research called 'Hidden for Survival' interviewing 150 'off street' sex workers. Our research methodology involved using snowball sampling techniques and go down our own social networks to interview sex workers within the North East of England. This research is ground breaking and thought to be the only piece of research of its kind in the country.
For some time the 'off street' sex work market and it's prevalence in our area has been recognised through anecdotal information from both service users and drug workers. It is our intention to provide a unique insight and reliable and current information about the true extent and nature of the problem.
As a result of our research we have launched a scheme called 'Work Safe' in partnership with Northumbria Police and Durham Constabulary which will allows sex workers to report crime to the police anonymously via specialist drug workers.
We are committed and dedicated to making the lives of our peers, friends and families lives better and safer and have worked in a voluntary capacity for some months. This research which will be launched on October 5th at Government Office for the North East.
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Biography
All of the authors of this research are current or ex drug users / sex workers dedicated to ensuring that sex work is highlighted as an issue within these five neighbouring North East Cities / Boroughs. Each of the researchers have trained in research techniques and have worked in a voluntary capacity to interview over 150 local sex workers to highlight issues relating to the off street sex trade.
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