Introducing Claire

On International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women we would like to introduce Claire to you and our new service which will provide better protection, support and outcomes for women involved in sex work. More information about this new service will also appear on our website soon.

Hello I’m Claire and I joined RSVP as a Sexual Violence Prevention Worker at the beginning of September 2017.  My role is to provide support to women, or anyone identifying as a woman, who is engaged in sex work and at risk of/has already faced sexual violence or abuse. This is a relatively new area for RSVP who recognised that it was necessary to adopt a different, proactive outreach approach in order to meet the often varied and complex needs rather than follow a traditional ISVA Role.

RSVP alongside CRASAC and BCWA bid to the Tampon Tax Fund for funding to create a regiinal West Midlands wide project. I am extremely excited by our new project and how we will be able to support a group of women, who society often overlooks.

I have brought experience of years of working with women with multiple and complex needs, many of whom engaged in sex work. I understand that I need to be flexible, patient and resilient.  I am passionate about reaching people from all backgrounds especially those who have been, or are at risk of being, violated, abused and exploited. Many women with multiple and complex needs do not access support services readily; I want to ensure I build good relationships and trust, to encourage and ensure that women receive the support and care they deserve from other services in the city.

I have already made great connections with the (amazing) team at The SAFE Project who have years of experience and skills between them. I will be sticking to them closely to develop a strong partnership so we can together reach more women.

The team here at RSVP have made me very welcome and are already extremely supportive. I am happy to have made the move here and can totally see how the team go the extra mile for all survivors of any age, gender or background. I’m proud to be involved in RSVP and in setting up this West Midlands wide project.

If you need support from this service or know someone who does, please contact me, Claire on: 0121 643 0301 option 2 or pw@rsvporg.co.uk