Srushti Gangdev and Liza Yuzda

Raids on Richmond massage parlours putting sex workers in unsafe situations, says advocate

A group advocating for sex worker rights says Richmond bylaw officers have been conducting frequent raids on massage parlours in the city — and it's driving women into unsafe situations.

Angela Wu with SWAN Vancouver says the massage parlours are licensed businesses and are far safer alternative workplaces for those who may otherwise be forced to work in private residences.

"Without having other people there, having the oversight, having the lights on, having that extra security, it's far easier for a predator to target them," Wu said. "So they're actually at greater risk of violence or exploitation, even."

Wu says the bylaw officers show up at massage parlours to do what they say are routine inspections but are detaining women and asking to inspect their clothing, leaving the women "terrified."

"The fact is that the women feel frightened, and many of them have actually started leaving these licensed massage parlours and moving into far more dangerous situations," she said.

SWAN is promoting a letter-writing campaign, encouraging anyone concerned about the situation to write to Richmond City Council. In a suggested template, the group says workers have reported police blocking doors during inspections.

"Many of the women engaged in sex work in Richmond are immigrants and newcomers who already face stigma and criminalization because of Canada's prostitution laws," the organization said in the template. "I'm urging you to learn about the women working at massage parlours, accept the choices they've made for themselves and stop the heightened enforcement at their workplaces. These women are members of your community, Richmond is their home, and they deserve the same compassion, respect and protection as any other resident."

SWAN will be addressing city council next week asking them to stop the raids.