SWOP-East is a branch of the national organization, SWOP-USA.
(Check out www.swopusa.org or www.swopeast.org for more information.)
SWOP, at its most basic, is an anti-violence campaign. As a multi-state network of sex workers and advocates, we address locally and nationally the violence that sex workers experience because of their criminal status. Operating in one of the most prominently violent societies today, sex workers in America experience this phenomenon pointedly in the context of their criminal status. Yet, sex workers are seldom afforded protection or recourse from violent acts committed against them because of the precarious, often graft-ridden relationship between sex work and law enforcement. Society tolerates violence against sex workers because of the stigma and myths that surround prostitution. Only until these falsehoods are corrected and sex workers are legitimized will we be able to effectively prevent and minimize the structural and occupational challenges of sex work.
SWOP works to educate policymakers and the public on the institutional harms committed against sex workers, and advocates for alternatives. SWOP promotes proven and effective social policy approaches to the sex industry. In order to reach its goals, SWOP adopts the principles and practices of nonviolent action in order to reduce violence and achieve dignity and rights for sex workers.
A sex worker could work as a stripper, a prostitute, a porn star, an escort, nude model, a sensual masseuse, a rent boy, a hustler, a dominatrix, a phone sex/web cam girl, or anyone else who exchanges sexual/erotic services for compensation or survival.
You can always come and join our discussions at www.swopeast.blogspot.com
