Sex workers protest sailor’s acquittal

Sex workers’ collective The Scarlet Alliance made “one minute of noise” outside Downing Centre Courts last Thursday, protesting the acquittal of an American sailor accused of having forced unprotected sex at a Potts Point brothel.

The action marked the seventh International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers.

The sailor, Petty Officer Timothy Davis, admitted using a “lockdown manoeuvre” on the woman when his half-hour was over.

The woman, who was about half his weight, said he had been drinking and was unable to finish. When she offered him “alternative services” she said he ripped off his condom, held her down by the neck and had unprotected sex for about 30 seconds, saying he was going to finish “like a man”.

She said Davis had been informed of the house rules which required the use of a condom at all times.

“Sex workers are calling for justice outside the NSW courts,” said Scarlet Alliance CEO Janelle Fawkes. “The outrage is a result of this case and the systemic inequity experienced by sex workers at the hands of police and the courts throughout Australia,” she said.

by Michael Gormly

photo: Heather Walker