SWAP (Sex Worker Action Program)

Canadian sex worker advocacy group

Sex Worker Action Program (SWAP) in Hamilton is a sex worker-led advocacy group in Hamilton, Ontario led by Executive Director Jelena Vermilion.[1][2] Although begun in 2018, in May 2022, SWAP established a physical communal space where individuals could gather in a safe environment. The Executive Director is Jelena Vermilion.[1] Located on Barton Street, the group offers community education on health and safety, including Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis—a medication for HIV prevention. The organization actively engages in advocacy efforts, promoting the fair treatment of individuals in the sex industry. The group frequently sends representatives to participate in academic and community based conferences. SWAP also conducts workshops for businesses and organizations in Hamilton.[3] SWAP is dedicated to supporting sex workers, addressing their diverse challenges through a combination of educational initiatives and direct actions. SWAP has also organized protests and vigils to bring attention to the murder of sex workers. In July 2022, they helped raise $9,000 to support the victim of a beating and sexual assault on Barton Street East, in Hamilton.[4]

SWAP has partnered with the Greater Hamilton Health Network (GHHN), an Ontario Health Team to provide support services to sex workers.[5]

## References[edit]

1. ^ a b Ahmed, Abonti Nur. “Jelena Vermilion Is Working to Put an End to Stigmatization of Sex Workers in Canada | The Silhouette,” February 9, 2023. https://thesil.ca/jelena-vermilion-is-working-to-put-an-end-to-stigmatization-of-sex-workers-in-canada/.
2. ^ J.P. Antonacci. “Support Centre Opens for Sex Workers - East-End Venue Will House Archives, Host Panel Discussions, Film Screenings.” Hamilton Spectator, The (Ontario, Canada), May 24, 2022. Access World News – Historical and Current.
3. ^ Fallon Hewitt. “‘Sex Workers Are Human Beings’: Community Rallies in Support of Woman Violently Sexually Assaulted Last Month.” The Hamilton Spectator, July 16, 2022. https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilton-region/sex-workers-are-human-beings-community-rallies-in-support-of-woman-violently-sexually-assaulted-last/article_b0babe05-c05b-56d6-b094-fc65f786b87a.html.
4. ^ News Staff. “Vigil Held for Woman Sexually Assaulted in Hamilton - CHCH.” CHCH TV, July 18, 2022. https://www.chch.com/vigil-held-for-woman-sexually-assaulted-in-hamilton/.
5. ^ Jamieson, Kate, Adam Arca, Lanxi Du, Jaicee Hann, and Elyse Letts. “Asset Mapping and Program Evaluation for Greater Hamilton Health Network.” Report. Prepared by the McMaster Research Shop for Greater Hamilton Health Network, May 2023. https://macsphere.mcmaster.ca/handle/11375/28516.

## External Links[edit]

* Sex Worker Action Program