The Andrews Labor Government is giving sex workers and victims of trafficking essential support services and access to education.
The Government is investing $300,000 for Project Respect workers to visit licensed brothels and build partnerships with family violence and other services.
Women who experience violence or sexual assault will receive essential support services and be able to access community education around family violence and other male violence. They will also provide advocacy services and translation services for culturally and linguistically diverse women.
Project Respect has been supporting women who are trafficked for sexual exploitation and women in the sex industry for almost 20 years.
The Government is implementing all 227 recommendations of the Royal Commission into Family Violence, which includes providing appropriate family violence services for women from diverse backgrounds.
The Royal Commission identified sex workers as particularly vulnerable to family violence.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring that sex workers and victims of trafficking get the help they need without fear of stigma or discrimination.”
“Project Respect is doing powerful work in providing support to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”
Quotes attributable to Project Respect Chair Christine Craik
“Project Respect works with many women who feel stigmatised or experience discrimination when accessing support services.”
“This funding will allow us to support these women, while also working with these services to improve their understanding of issues and challenges faced by women in the sex industry.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020