Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity, has issued the following statement to mark International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, also known as Red Umbrella Day:

“Red Umbrella Day, created by sex workers and their allies, calls for an end to violence and hate crimes directed at sex workers. It is an annual reminder that upholding the dignity, safety and well-being of sex workers is a responsibility we all share.

“Violence against sex workers is the result of stigma, discrimination and harmful stereotypes that deny people their basic rights. It is everyone’s right to be respected and to be able to live and work free from violence.

“Sex workers who are Indigenous, racialized, newcomers, 2SLGBTQIA+ people and those living with disabilities face even greater risks.

“Bad-date reporting systems are community-based initiatives where sex workers anonymously share reports about bad dates with each other so they can make informed decisions in taking new clients. In B.C., bad-date reporting tools exist in Vancouver, Victoria, Kamloops and Prince George for sex workers to help keep each other safe.

“I join sex workers, their families, friends and allies in calling for an end to violence rooted in hatred and discrimination and working together to build safer communities.”