Literature Review

Literature Review of Canadian Sex Workers’ Experiences with Police Interactions, Healthcare Access, and Social Exclusion

This report by the McMaster Research Shop, in partnership with SWAP Hamilton, reviews Canadian literature on sex workers’ experiences following the 2014 Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act (PCEPA). Focusing on police interactions, healthcare access, and social exclusion, the report synthesizes 17 studies published between 2018 and 2023.

It highlights key issues such as stigma, systemic discrimination, and unmet health needs, especially among trans, non-binary, and im/migrant sex workers. The report also offers actionable recommendations, including the decriminalization of sex work, anti-racism and anti-stigma training for service providers, and support for peer-led services.