Cup of coffee may have saved my life
SEX WORKER THREW IT IN THE FACE OF WOULD-BE ATTACKER TO MAKE ESCAPE
A SEX worker has spoken of the moment a hot drink given to her by a local charity might have saved her life.
The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, had been working on Manchester’s streets when she picked up a coffee from one of the volunteers inside a van being operated by MASH.
Run by a small network of volunteers, MASH (Manchester Action on Street Health) offer emotional support and a safe presence for women sex working.
One night, the cup of coffee provided by the organisation turned out to be much more for one woman - in fact, she believes it stopped her being raped.
“I was able to throw it in my attacker’s face and flee,” she said.
“That night they (MASH) may have saved my life.”
Her story comes as the charity warned they had seen a concerning rise in the number of women turning to them for support following incidents of abuse and violence.
The team have helped 54 women with support around violence in the last three months alone and said this type of support is at the highest level in more than two years.
Women are increasingly reporting that they’ve been victims of sexual violence, including rape, physical assaults and robberies.
Another woman, who relies on the support of the MASH van, said: “It’s awful out there at the moment. But you feel that bit safer knowing the MASH van is nearby.”
Although the charity support women to report violent crimes to the police, and through the criminal justice process, volunteers say that many do not feel comfortable for fear of stigmatisation, not being taken seriously or not being believed.
MASH also offers other safety alert systems which help to share information which may help keep other sex workers safer.
Often, MASH’s staff and volunteers are the first people a victim will reach out to following violence.
Women can step into a warm, private space with trained and trusted workers. They can get condoms, food and drink, warm clothing and essential items or just a few moments’ respite.
The charity relies largely on public donations and is about to launch a Christmas appeal in a bid to raise vital money to fund the van, which is becoming more expensive to run.
Between tomorrow at noon and Tuesday, December 6 at noon donations made via its campaign page will be doubled. So a £10 gift will become £20 for MASH.
Annie Emery, CEO at MASH, said: “It is really concerning that we are seeing an increase in women coming to us traumatised following extreme male violence and abuse. Support following attacks is a key part of our offer at MASH, but there has been an increase in demand for this type of support recently. The MASH van can be a first response and that’s why many women say it’s a lifeline. But it’s important to remember that the ongoing trauma of violence can have a life-long impact on women.”