Women's Harm Reduction

The Women’s Harm Reduction Program is for women who use illicit drugs and/or are working in the sex trade.

Women who use illicit drugs and work in the sex trade face unique challenges. This program works to acknowledge those challenges and develop responsive, supportive programming.

95% of women interviewed experienced violence in their life, and 65% experienced violence in the past year. (Interviews of women who use illicit drugs and engage in sex work was done by SRCHC in 2007.)

Rates of HIV among females are increasing. The majority of new HIV cases among females are from firstly, injection drug use and secondly, sexual contact with an infected person. (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2006)

Harm Reduction programs are used predominately by men (Public Health Agency of Canada, August, 2006).

We Offer:

Harm reduction supplies (e.g. needles, crack stems, etc)
Basic needs items (tampons, pads, underwear etc)
Harm reduction counselling, support services and advocacy
Referrals to doctors, nurses, counselors / case managers, detoxes, housing workers, shelters, Hep C education & treatment programs and more

Sexual Health Programming:

Sexual health education and counselling
Safer sex supplies (condoms, lube, female condoms)
Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STI’s)
Free pregnancy test kits
Free Emergency Contraception Pills

Support for Sex Workers:

Sex worker safety planning
Bad Date reporting
Support for women who have been assaulted / sexually assaulted