Illustration of how sex trade workers mark up a map in London, Ont. Different colours of marker mean different aspects, like dangerous areas, health care areas etc. As many as women offer sexual services on the streets of London, in neighbourhoods many would not suspect. They continually face threats of violence, and areas so threatening, they want desperately to avoid them at all costs.
The findings of the first-of-its-kind mapping study of the women suggests a change is needed in how they are viewed and helped, said researchers. It is so beautifully illustrated on the map.
The study also revealed both the protective feelings the women have for east London, but at the same time a desire by many to live away from the areas where they spend much of their time. Beginning last year, researchers interviewed 33 women involved in street level sex work β which has traditionally been thought to occur mostly along the Dundas Street, Hamilton Road, and Wellington Street corridors.
The women marked on maps where they lived, worked, got health care and social services, where they obtained drugs, and what areas of the city were the most violent and what areas they tried to avoid.
Researchers did share, however, that the working areas extend beyond the traditional areas, for example, along Wellington Road south near Highway The women did agree to the release of a map showing what they think are the most violent areas, and areas to avoid, and a map showing where they got health care and social services.
