Sex workers are safer on the streets of Christchurch than Auckland, new research from the University of Canterbury shows. A report into the likelihood of sex workers from Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington experiencing physical and sexual violence, theft and threats was released today.
Read more: Sex workers are still calling for public toilets to be installed in the city. The researchers found Auckland's streets were the most notorious, but indoor sex workers at brothels and escort services were subject to more violence in Christchurch. University of Canterbury economic researcher Dr Laura Meriluoto said the aim of the study was to understand more about the risks nationwide.
A survey found 38 per cent of all sex workers in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch had at least one adverse experience while they were working in the last year. Sixteen per cent of those surveyed had been subject to physical violence, rape or being held against their will.
Another 20 had been threatened with violence and 23 per cent had money stolen or a client refuse to pay. Increased safety fears for Christchurch's street workers have come to light in the wake of the earthquakes, with sex workers calling for better lighting and security cameras. Christchurch city councillors raised the idea of a designated red-light district on the city's Manchester St last year, including toilets, increased security measures and needle dumps but the plans were thrown out after local residents were consulted.
Dr Meriluoto said the street sector appeared to have more violence overall simply because there were more workers using alcohol and drugs than the indoor sector - a surprising factor.
