9 lives: Surviving sexual assault in the sex industry
The 2011 edition of "9 Lives: Surviving Sexual Assault in the Sex Industry" is now available for download and in booklet form at SWOP. Back in 1998, SWOP collaborated with a group of women working in the NSW sex industry, and named the resulting booklet '9 Lives' in reference to the saying that cats have 'nine lives'. Cats are thought to be resilient and always land on their feet. It is our hope that through reading this booklet, sex workers who may face the issue of sexual assault will draw upon the same skills, landing on their feet and supporting each other to do the same.
The booklet contains information on recognising violence; what to do if you get sexually assaulted; and how you can help co-workers who have been sexually assaulted. It addresses possible concerns about involving the police, what the court process is like, and avenues for compensation; as well as the whirlwind of feelings and emotions that might occur after trauma (which are all perfectly normal). The back section of the booklet contains a list of free services for people who have experienced sexual assault.
Click here [1] for a copy.