Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust’s Armistead Service is hosting a special memorial service event in Liverpool tomorrow, Wednesday 17 December to mark the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers.

The special memorial service will be taking place from 12.00 noon at the Armistead Centre on Hanover Street in Liverpool ONE. It will gather together staff, current and ex-service users from the Armistead Street Project, which provides specialist health support, evening outreach, drop in sessions and advocacy services for the city’s female street sex workers.

It will also be attended by many of their friends, family members, health professionals and other local agencies, to commemorate and remember the lives lost over the past years.

Working closely with Merseyside Police, the service has played an instrumental role in the introduction of a number of progressive policing policies in Merseyside including the decision to treat violence against sex workers as a hate crime in 2006, and the introduction of police sex work liaison officers in Merseyside.

It has also helped to spearhead the development of the National Ugly Mugs scheme which supports vulnerable sex workers to report violent crimes, to identify potential offenders, and to stay safe.

Julie Boyd, Health Outreach Worker from The Armistead Centre explains,

“The International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers is an important occasion which brings together sex workers, their friends and family, and all those working to support their health, safety and wellbeing.
“Our annual memorial service is both a sad and happy event, as we remember those who we have tragically lost over the years, but also look to renew our commitment to supporting these women, and celebrate the positive changes that have taken place in their lives.”

Martin Fenerty, Service Manager for The Armistead Centre adds:

“We are very proud of the high quality of health care and support provided to female street sex workers through our Armistead service, which has been internationally celebrated for its achievements in helping to reduce the risk of harm to sex workers.
“However, we also recognise that there is still much more that can be done to help protect these vulnerable women against all instances of violence, stigma and discrimination, and that’s what December 17th is all about.”

For more information about Violence Against Sex Workers Day visit: www.december17.org

For information about the Armistead Centre, please call: 0151 247 6560 or visit: www.armisteadcentre.co.uk