Some of our program users live within the boundaries and are being arresting for going to the store, or waiting for a bus. To violate these boundaries is to breach the conditions of release, often a far more serious charge than the initial communicating charge.
- Boundaries limit access to support services including health care, legal access (probation appointments), addiction and treatment services and other supports crucial to the well being and livelihood of this population.
- Boundaries increase the likelihood of arrest and incarceration and contribute to the criminal record of sex workers which impedes their transition out of sex work and into ‘mainstream’ employment.
- Boundaries break down communication between sex workers and law enforcement as police are often unsure as to who is on boundaries, who is not, and what allowances were provided by the court for boundaries.
- Boundaries increase the cost of the judicial system and administration of justice (law enforcement, court appearances, incarceration costs)
- Boundaries neither help sex workers nor stop sex work from occurring.
As a result, we at Stepping Stone, along with our community partners, are becoming increasingly concerned with how justice is being administered in this regard. To impose boundary restrictions on marginalized population is to negatively impact the health, well-being and safety of street based sex workers. To learn more and to learn how you can help, please contact us at Stepping Stone.
