365P
FEMALE SEX WORK IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
J Stevenson, F Gold, J Maginley
BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia
Objectives: To summarize historical literature related to sex work in Greater Vancouver, British Columbia (BC) and compare it to the present in order to inform the practice of Street Outreach Nurses from the BC Centre for Disease Control.
Methods: A review of scientific and lay literature was done related to sex work in Greater Vancouver. The areas that were focused on were Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Quesnel and Kelowna. Thematic analysis was conducted and a hypothesis for future research was generated.
Results: Five themes emerged, including economics, violence, health, the law and stigmatization. The review has been used to educate both nursing and service providers who work with female sex workers. A hypothesis for future research may be to explore health care initiatives involving peers with the goal of better serving sex workers.
Conclusion: A historical look at female sex work in BC has better informed Street Outreach Nurses, other nurses and service providers in regards to sex workers and their issues.