Hiya folks

My name is Shelly and I work as a Specialist Independent Sexual Violence Advisor for Sex Workers in Liverpool although I cover the whole of Merseyside. I was the first person in the UK to do this role and have been helping sex workers get justice since 2006 but doing outreach much longer than that!

I work with any sex worker who has experienced violence or abuse (including domestic violence) whether they are working on-street, off street or escorting.

I offer support from the off, basically working to support clients from 'report to court'. I have excellent relationships with the police and always ensure we get fantastic cops to look after my clients!

I can help you in the following ways:

* help to report crimes against you to the police (if you want to report to the police!)
* take you for a forensic medical examination (with Dr's who are all experienced in working with sex workers & really understand the issues)- you can do this regardless of whether you want to report to the police
* take Ugly Mug/Dodgy Punter info from you-I manage the Ugly Mugs scheme for Merseyside
* help you to access emergency GUM, PEPS, contraception, terminations or pregnancy support
* provide you with personal safety information & alarms
* provide you with free condoms, lube, dams etc
* have 1-1 sessions or via email
*invite you to personal safety classes (free!)
* take you to court for a look around
* take you to court & support you if you proceed with a prosecution
* put measures in place to hide your identity at court
* access you into FREE counselling in Liverpool or Sefton or Wirral-not time limited
* link you into lots of other free services around housing, benefits, training, routes out etc
* keep you informed and updated at all times about your case

Feel free to get in touch, Im also happy to offer guideance to people outside of Merseyside or answer any questions via pm

Take care out there

Shelly x

Shelly is from Armistead Street in Liverpool, an NHS project and part of the UK Network of Sex Work Projects. She was the country's first ever Independent Sexual Violence Advisor and has helped put away some truly nasty bastards along with Merseyside Police, whose current conviction rates for people who commit crimes against us is a shining example of how it can and should be done. And she's too modest  .

brilliant, thank you.  Good on you shelly!