SWOP Behind Bars

SWOP Behind Bars provides community support for incarcerated sex workers and connects incarcerated sex workers in US prisons and jails to the sex worker rights movement. A significant percentage of sex workers are people who are incarcerated for prostitution and prostitution-related crimes, and these individuals are disproportionately affected by laws that criminalize sex work, as well as stigma, violence, and their related challenges to reenter their communities. We work to support and build relationships with individuals most affected by these laws and provide incarcerated sex workers with information, linkages to individualized, comprehensive case management, and skills they need to become leaders and partners with the sex worker rights movement. We call attention to the violence, stigma, and discrimination that occur against sex workers that are perpetuated by the criminalization of prostitution. We provide a monthly newsletter, books, study materials, and sex worker pen pals for incarcerated sex workers. Upon release from jail or prison, we strive to help sex workers meet their basic needs, and we provide resources, networking, and linkages for successful reentry into their communities.