San Francisco Task Force on Prostitution
Final Report 1996
III. Health, Safety and Services
Health aspects of prostitution include issues of social, physical and mental health.
Since various studies have established, for example, that men transmit HIV (and
STDs) at a significantly higher rate than women, it is important to gear education
and reform efforts towards members of the community as a whole, including male
clients.43
When assessing the health and social service needs of prostitutes, it is important
to remember that prostitutes are varied in their experiences and needs. It is
necessary to provide alternatives for those who wish to leave, as well as to improve
working conditions and services for those who remain in the industry.
In addressing health safety and service issues for prostitutes, it is crucial
to prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable individuals, who are at greater
risk in terms of health and safety.44 Economic development
and services for low income and poor people in San Francisco improve conditions
in the neighborhoods generally, with the long term effect of reducing prostitution
that stems from poverty.
A number of recommendations specifically address the needs and issues of marginalized
individuals and communities who are among those most adversely affected and those
who experience discrimination in access to services. (See Appendix D: Health,
Safety and Services: Needs Assessment)
The Task Force recommendations put forth the provision of services based on a
harm reduction, rather than punishment-based model.45
Health and The Law
In accordance with Legal Recommendation (V.), the Health, Safety and Services
Committee recommends that the City direct efforts to repeal mandatory HIV testing
of persons convicted of prostitution, as punitive treatment of HIV+ persons exacerbates
marginalization and seriously increases health risks. (See Legal Recommendations)
Counseling regarding HIV prevention, transmission and risk reduction as well as
voluntary anonymous or confidential testing, should be provided to all members
of the community, including sex workers and clients. As a result of information
provided by Task Force members, in June 1994, Terence Hallinan and Angela Alioto
submitted legislation which was approved by the Board of Supervisors urging the
Mayor, District Attorney and Chief of Police to "no longer confiscate and or alter
or use the fact of condom possession for investigative or court evidence purposes."
In September 1994, District Attorney Arlo Smith began a "six month trial period"
to study the effects of this policy. In March of 1995, Smith announced that the
District Attorney's Office would cease using condoms as evidence of prostitution.
The Task Force recommends the following:
I. Change current policy and modify current contracts to provide
access to a full range of health services indicated for all residents, including
drug treatment programs, without discrimination regarding sex work history or
continuation in sex work during treatment.
II. Provide adequate resources for services to battered women, the homeless,
youth, immigrants and refugees, and those needing rape crisis services regardless
of whether they have a history of, or are currently working in prostitution.
III. With the revenues made available by eliminating budgets to enforce prostitution
laws, support current and develop new peer-guided programs and services.46
These should include outreach, including mobile outreach, drop-in centers and
low threshold emergency and transitional housing. Programs should include occupational
and educational programs, health and other programs for those who continue working
as prostitutes, as well as those who wish to transition into other occupations
including financial assistance to escape abusive and violent situations.47
IV. Modify current contracts to finance AIDS prevention interventions targeted
to clients of prostitutes- as well as those who identify themselves as "straight"
men.
V. Provide in-service training to health and social service workers who work
with prostitutes to increase sensitivity and accessibility of services.
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Table of Contents
See also, Exhibits: Health, Safety
and Services