People who are sex workers

●      As of May 2022 three-monthly HIV and STI checks are no longer mandated for sex workers in Victoria

●      Consider offering an opportunistic sexual health screen even if someone is asymptomatic; whilst there is a relatively low incidence of HIV in Melbourne, the incidence of other sexually transmitted infections including syphilis is increasing

●      Melbourne Sexual Health Centre in Carlton offers a service for sex workers which includes walk-in appointments and bookings as well as contraceptive services

●      RhED (Resourcing Health and Education) is a dedicated and multifaceted service supporting sex workers in Victoria - patients can self refer online or via email at sexworker@sexworker.org.au or call 1800 458 752.

●      Sexual violence against sex workers is a crime and should be managed as per the above pathways via CASA.

○      Please discuss with the patient as to whether they would like their occupation as a sex worker disclosed prior to referral.

○      RhED also have a violence prevention programme called “Ugly Mugs” that supports the sex worker community to protect their safety in the community