International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers is observed annually on December 17 by sex workers, their advocates, friends, families and allies. Originally conceived as a memorial and vigil for the victims of the Green River Killer in Seattle Washington, United States (US), it has evolved into an annual international event. During the week of December 17th, sex worker communities and social justice organizations stage actions and vigils and work to raise awareness about violence that is commonly committed against sex workers.
The red umbrella is an important symbol for sex worker rights and is used for events that are held on December 17. The red umbrella symbol was first used by sex workers in Venice, Italy in 2001.
- Sex worker’s rights advocates argue that sex workers should have the same basic human and labour rights as other working.
- Advocacy for the interests of sex workers can come from a variety of sources, including non-governmental organizations, labor rights organizations, governments, or sex workers themselves.
Green River Killer
- Gary Leon Ridgway (born February 18, 1949) is the American serial killer known as the Green River Killer.
- He was initially convicted of 48 separate murders and later confessed to nearly twice that number.
- He murdered numerous women and girls inWashington State during the 1980s and 1990s.
- Most of his victims were alleged to be prostitutes and other women in vulnerable situations, including underage runaways.
- He strangled the women, usually by hand but sometimes using ligatures.
- After strangling them, he would dump their bodies throughout forested and overgrown area in King County, often returning to the dead bodies to have sexual intercourse with them.
