Dear reader, 

This month we explore a topic that historically has carried huge stigma for women involved in selling or exchanging sex - sexual health. When thinking of sexual health, what often comes to mind are STIs, reproductive organs and contraception. But sexual health is so much more than that. 

In this issue we look beyond the purely clinical lens and consider women's sexual wellbeing.

This month's worker's perspective also features an interview with housing workers who reflect on the importance of creating safe spaces for women to open up about their sexual health concerns. Alongside this, you will find reports, research and other interesting reads to increase your understanding of this topic.

We hope you find this bulletin thought-provoking and a new way to consider women's sexual health and wellbeing needs.

Until next time,

The CSE Aware Information and Resources Officer

Women involved in selling or exchanging sex use complex strategies to protect their health and keep safe when seeing clients – and sexual health is one of their key concerns. Yet, their involvement comes with unique risks and challenges which can hinder women’s ability to manage their sexual health and impact their overall wellbeing.

In this article we explore women’s strategies to keep healthy and the ways in which these are often overridden, and we reflect on why all types of services must play a part in supporting women’s sexual health and wellbeing.

This month, we chat with Harriet and Olivia, two support workers at Simon Community Scotland who have worked with women in homelessness for several years. Some of the women they support have directly or indirectly disclosed involvement in selling or exchanging sex.

Sexual health is a topic that regularly comes up as part of the overall wellbeing of the women in their service. Here, we discuss how, as housing staff, they have created a space where women feel safe and confident to talk about their sexual health and why it is so vital that all types of services supporting women open up these conversations too.

Sexual health practice points

We have identified some steps you can take when responding to the sexual health and wellbeing needs of women selling or exchanging sex. Read more

Resources for women

• HIV self-test
• Medication to prevent HIV (PReP and PEP)
• Information about PReP for people who sell or exchange sex
• NHS abortion services in Scotland
• The different types of contraception

Research, reports and other information

• CLiCK Cast Episode 6: Sexual Health and Wellbeing
  
• CLiCK sexual health podcast show notes
  
• Encompass focus on… sexual health and CSE
• Confronting the harm: the impacts of prostitution on women’s health
• Understanding the sexual health and blood borne virus risk behaviours of defined ‘at risk’ groups

Wed 26 April 2023, 11:30am - 1pm 

Sexual health, wellbeing, and relationships are key issues for women who sell or exchange sex. Very often, a focus is put on physical health issues such as risks with sexually transmitted infections and blood borne viruses, but women’s needs are much more complex.

This free webinar will offer services and organisations an opportunity to explore the sexual health and wellbeing needs of women involved in selling or exchanging sex.