Created in December 2001, the Sex Workers Project is the first program in New York City and in the country to focus on the provision of legal services, legal training, documentation, and policy advocacy for sex workers. Using a harm reduction and human rights model, the SWP protects the rights and safety of sex workers who by choice, circumstance, or coercion remain in the industry.
The SWP provides critical information to policymakers, activists, and
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the media on the human rights abuses faced by sex workers and those
who are at risk for engaging in sex work. We use documentation-based
advocacy, policy analysis, training and education, and collaboration
with community-based service providers to advance practical, long-term
solutions to the problems faced by this vulnerable and marginalized
population. We document the lives of sex workers and put a human face
on violations of their human rights.
The SWP works to ensure that the criminal justice system appropriately responds to the needs of sex workers; that victims of trafficking in persons have access to legal and other benefits; and that community-based service providers who work with sex workers have the expertise to assist them. The SWP works in the following areas: criminal justice reform; trafficking in persons; and human rights documentation.
To learn how to access our services, visit our Get Help link. For additional information, please visit www.sexworkersproject.org and contact us at: swp@urbanjustice.org. For media inquiries, please contact Sienna Baskin at (646) 602-5695. For an appointment or further questions, please call our warmline at (646) 602-5617.
News and Events
The Road North: New Report from SWP
On September 25th, the Sex Workers Project launched its new report,
The Road North: The role of gender, poverty and violence in
trafficking from Mexico to the US, at a unique event in Mexico
City. The Road North reports on 37 cases of human trafficking from
Mexico to the United States, identifying root causes and making
recommendations for prevention. Hosted by the Instituto para las
Mujeres en la Migración, this event will feature organizations from
the U.S. and Mexico speaking about the importance of undertaking
bi-national efforts. Speakers will include Mexican activists working
to prevent human trafficking in high risk regions, as well as
survivors of human trafficking.
(Click the image to the right for a Spanish-language flyer.)
The Road North: The Role of Gender, Poverty and Violence in Trafficking from Mexico to the U.S.
Internships & Externships
The Sex Workers Project has interships and externships available; see this page for details.
Most Recent Press
"Desmantelan red de prostitución entre México y EE.UU,"
Noticias MundoFOX,
May 10, 2013
"Nassau disallows condoms as prostitution evidence because of health concerns,"
Newsday Long Island,
May 5, 2013
"Policia "usa" condones para arrestos por prostitucion en NY,"
El Diario,
April 23, 2013