Our Work

Key Facts

  • 75% are single mothers
  • 73% of women speak of either childhood or adulthood sexual abuse
  • 60% currently or previously in a violent relationship
  • 38% of women in the sex industry are studying
  • 47% financially support a partner - it's illegal to live off the income of someone in the sex industry
  • 33% of women were homeless

At the centre of our work is direct contact with women in the sex industry including women who have been trafficked into Australia for prostitution. We use a strengths-based, feminist model of practice, promoting respect for all women.

Our work includes:

  • Outreach to brothels in Victoria in order to spend time with women in the sex industry and give them information and referrals
  • Intensive case management, providing holistic support and individual counselling
  • Referrals and information regarding services for health, housing, the law, child custody, domestic violence, drug and alcohol (mis)use, and other issues
  • Emergency accommodation and ongoing support for women who have been trafficked
  • Support for education and alternative employment pathways
  • Community development activities, including weekends away and advocacy training
  • Raising awareness within the community to help people understand the issues facing women in the sex industry
  • Specialised training to community organisations such as health centres and government agencies including the police
  • Advocacy to Federal, State and Local Government

If any women in the sex industry would like to speak to Project Respect's outreach workers you can call us at +61 3 9416 3401 or alternatively email: info@projectrespect.org.au