Harm reduction principles demand engagement of the community affected and to meet them where they are. This is all good in theory but how can we engage sex industry workers in a way that protects them from harms experienced during engagement in the past?

There are many sources to gather information on research ethics. A national set of guidelines that all Canadian universities must abide by is the Tri Council Policy Statement: http://www.pre.ethics.gc.ca/english/index.cfm.

Most research disciplines also have their own codes of ethics. Most share these basic principles:

• Ethical research should be conducted in a way that ensures all parties are free from harm and researchers are concerned with the safety of research participants that may experience heightened risks;
• Participants have the right to provide their free and informed consent at the onset of the relationship and researchers have an obligation to obtain this consent;
• Researchers must take steps to ensure that the privacy and confidentiality of participants is respected;
• Parties entering into research partnerships can anticipate and build in supports for participants. (For example, if a researcher is inquiring about life histories that can be traumatic for some, the community organization and researcher can ensure that there exist post interview debriefing supports for participants).
• Researchers need to approach their research from a place of indifference in regards to the outcome and not engage in research that constitutes a clear conflict of interest.

Additional research principles speak to the researchers’

• Respect for participant autonomy and decision making;
• Obligation to increase the benefits to research participants and
  working to reduce harms associated with participation;
• Commitment to justice, which required fair participant selection
  and equal distribution of the benefits and burdens of research
  across participant samples.

We in the BCCEC and the WCCSIP have embraced these principles by embedding them into our terms of reference and in the way we engage each other during projects. We have also created policies for those who wish to engage with us or would like our membership to take part in research or actions related to the sex industry.

Any one who wishes to work with members of the WCCSIP or the BCCEC must submit their request in writing including a detailed description of the project/ research and the ways in which it’s coordinators will respect the guidelines we have established.

A group of no less than 4 members will meet to discuss the proposal and will weigh the benefits versus potential harm for our members. They will then reply to any applicants in writing stating whether access will be granted, any potential gaps in a proposal or why the proposal did not receive support.

Honoraria

Giving sex industry workers an honorarium when engaging us ensures limited harm from the encounter. Difficult discussions about the oppression we’ve endured can often trigger an emotional reaction. Paying an honoraria ensures a participant does not have to engage in high risk activities to try to find money for their medication/ alternative to self arm of choice.

Also, we are a hand to mouth culture and rarely have time to be away from work. Paying us a livable wage respects our knowledge, experience, and time.

The honoraria proposed in the current project budget- Building Choices for the Future- reflect the respect that WCCSIP have for the participation of its members and the meaningful involvement of sex workers in the design of these enterprises. Although the total amount of the honorarium is relatively large, it recognizes the value of each person’s contribution in the project and respects the fact that many members are living in extreme poverty and need to earn money.

The honorarium is based on a $20.00/hr wage and meetings are 3 hrs long so $60.00 per person per meeting/ planning/ capacity building session.In our experience 3 hrs. is as long as our membership can be meaningfully involved, so we base our meeting structure on that time line.

This reflects the policies of both the BCCEC and WCCSIP when engaging with sex industry workers during our research, projects and programs.

Confidentiality

Because of our criminalization, confidentiality is absolutely paramount. Working with the systems that many in our community view as the enemy, may cause a person to be outcast or worse. They could be viewed as a “rat” or collaborator and treated as such. Ensuring confidentiality of participants will prevent the loss of any social capitol or violence against them.

Access to confidential information about WCCSIP members or BCCEC project participants is limited to a proven threat to life or safety of that participant or member. Only if a member or participant is proven to be at risk will their confidentiality be compromised. A committee of at least 4 members or participants will asses risk and grant access to sensitive information

Any one who wishes to work with members of the WCCSIP or the BCCEC must submit their request in writing including a detailed description of the project/ research and the ways in which its coordinators will respect the guidelines we have established.

A group of no less than 4 members will meet to discuss the proposal and will weigh the benefits versus potential harm for our members. They will then reply to any applicants in writing stating whether access will be granted, any potential gaps in a proposal or why the proposal did not receive support.

To submit a proposal to the BCCEC or WCCSIP please contact the cooperative development coordinator:

coordinator@wccsip.ca