“They talk about us, but without us”

Claims and contributions from sex work activism

Abstract

Traditionally, social intervention, including social work, has taken on the challenge of confronting welfare-oriented, paternalistic, and punitive approaches by incorporating discourses and practices focused on accompaniment, recognising the leading role of individuals, families, groups and communities. The different legal models for addressing prostitution have conditioned the professional stance on this issue, with most adopting abolitionist views. At the same time, the progressive politicisation of sex workers and the emergence of groups defending their rights has highlighted their distancing from some institutions and social organisations and their professional practices. With a view to exploring this disconnect and learning about the demands of different sex worker collectives and researchers, to influence better professional practice, a series of lectures was held during 2023 and the content of each session was analysed. The main results show us, first, the difficulties experienced by people in prostitution: precariousness, stigmatisation, lack of protection and institutional violence. The main demands of sex worker movements are also identified, as are conflicts and points of friction between them and other activist groups, as well as points of agreement and convergence.