ABSTRACT
In this chapter I develop a feminist analysis of the relationship between sex, work and violence in order to challenge binary thinking (sex as work or sex as violence) in relation to sex work, and argue for analysis that disrupts binaries and fosters collaborations with women working in the sex industry using principles of participatory action research (PAR). I argue that in collaborating, in sharing our differences and similarities, we can work together to develop knowledge that is interpretive, interventionist and action oriented, and that creates change and makes interventions in policy and practice. Within the current socio-political context of sex work in the UK I examine: safety and violence as the basis for collaborative work across binaries; the vital importance of services to sex workers as part of this process; and the impact/importance of governance that engages and works with complexity and promotes social justice in contrast to that which re-creates binaries/liminality and the illusion of justice (however well intentioned). The chapter is illustrated with art forms created by sex workers as part of a research project commissioned by Walsall South Health Action Zone and undertaken by the author and Rosie Campbell.
