Today I Stand up to Disrespect

Alisha OstbergBlog, human rights, sex work

This article contains potentially traumatic subject matter. December 17th is International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. To recognize this day and bring awareness to the experiences of sex workers in our communities, the …

Human Trafficking: A Sex Worker Rights & Harm Reduction Narrative

Alisha OstbergBlog, harm reduction, human rights, sex work

At Shift, we don’t spend a whole lot of time talking about human trafficking.

In 2014, we provided ongoing support and case management to 125 registered program clients; only a handful of these individuals had experienced trafficking. In the 8 year history of Shift, people experiencing human trafficking and other forms of sexual exploitation have remained a small minority of the individuals we support.

What Now?: Sex Work in Calgary Post Bill C-36

Alisha OstbergBlog, sex work

When Bill C-36 (The Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act) was first proposed the Shift Line phone was ringing off the hook. And honestly, it hasn’t stopped ringing. Sex workers are confused, upset, frustrated, and in general unsure how this new law is going to affect their lives. Many of the people who call us care about following the law and avoiding criminal charges, but these laws are so vague that they just can’t figure out what they can and cannot do.