Fifth Annual International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers

Fifth Annual International Day to End Violence

Against Sex Workers
December 17th, 2007

December 17th is International Day to End Violence Against Sex
Workers. This event was created to call attention to hate crimes
committed against sex workers all over the globe.

Originally thought of by Dr. Annie Sprinkle and started by the Sex
Workers Outreach Project USA as a memorial and vigil for the victims
of the Green River Killer in Seattle Washington. International Day to
End Violence Against Sex Workers has empowered workers from over 30
cities around the world to come together and organize against
discrimination and remember victims of violence.

During the week of December 17, 2007, sex worker rights organizations
will be staging actions and vigils to raise awareness about violence
that is commonly committed against sex workers. The assault, battery,
rape and murder of sex workers must end. Existing laws prevent sex
workers from reporting violence. The stigma and discrimination that
is perpetuated by the prohibitionist laws has made violence against us
acceptable. Please join in drawing attention to this around the world
with the 5th annual International Day to End Violence Against Sex
Workers.

We would like to add your event to our new DEC 17th website please
check out our work in progress and please send pictures.
http://www.swopusa.org/dec17/index.html

If you or your organization are holding an event please email your
info: http://www.swop-usa.org/drupal/contact

If your organization would like to help sponsor an event in your local
area please send your contact info:
http://www.swop-usa.org/drupal/contact

Please go to the website for Dr. Annie Sprinkle's '10 Things You Can
Do for International Day to end Violence Against Sex Workers
'http://www.swopusa.org/dec17/index.html

We encourage participants to carry red umbrellas on Dec 17th as a
symbol of international solidarity for sex workers' rights!