#DecrimSexWork: Enhancing Justice for Sex Workers in Aotearoa (New Zealand)

It is a year out from the 20th anniversary of the decriminalization of sex work in Aotearoa-New Zealand and so much has changed during this time for sex workers in this country. The sex industry has changed from one where it was illegal to solicit, own or manage a brothel, live off earnings of a sex worker, and procure sex for a third party to one where sex workers are able to (and do) report crimes and where there’s an improved relationship with police. Sex workers are now able to challenge unfair and coercive work conditions and work practices in brothels have improved. Dr. Abel traces this historic transition from 1997, when she first started to research sex work until today, highlighting some of her research done along the way. This research confirms that decriminalization is the only legislative approach that can provide sex workers with occupational rights and access to justice.