Ruby: Youth RISE works with young people who use drugs around the world who are working in drug policy reform and ham reduction. We use the principle of Full Spectrum Harm Reduction and work to reduce stigma and discrimination. Created a research paper last year with a group of 7 people working in the field around the world.
The paper calls attention to specific needs of young sex workers. Issues that put their physical and mental health at risk and sets out recommendations. Paper highlights the need for more research on this population. First part focuses on discrimination, young sex workers who use drugs suffer from triple compounding stigma, more exclusion and marginalization.
The community is very complex and diverse. There are many reasons for starting sex work some are about livelihood, autonomy or empowerment. Stigma manifests in a variety of forms, condescending attitudes and trying to convince young sex workers to quit sex work.
Criminalization forces them into clandestine environments. Health professionals are uninformed about sex work. Do not openly use drugs in work, clients could weaponize this. HIV prevalence varies wildly depending on region and other factors. Common patterns of use include chemsex and poly drug use. Studies show young age in sex work leads to further exploitation and increased HIV prevalence.
Stigma represents a significant factor, one consequence of which is unreported crimes. Intersection of further vulnerabilities leads to further violence.
