Full and clean is not enough

Project owner: Volkshilfe Wien / Sophie Beratungszentrum

Responsible person: Mag.a Eva van Rahden

2021

Nominated

AT

Civil Society / Social Economy

Challenge

Although the WHO considers sexual health fundamental to all people’s well-being, the sexuality of the elderly and people with disabilities is taboo. This neglect has a negative impact on their health and wellbeing, as well as on their caregivers. Transgressions are common; sexual assault must be taken seriously in the care sector.

Idea

We offer workshops to raise awareness for nurses and care staff. In addition, the course for sexual accompaniment and assistance offers legal, professional sexual services for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Actors

We work with nurses and care staff to address past transgressions to achieve long-term awareness and exchange. It is also vital for employers to offer safe working conditions. Several modules of the sexual training course are developed and led by a sex worker.

Impact

The programme is ground-breaking through its work with these target groups and their caregivers. Raising awareness is also important for companies in the care sector; employers are responsible for providing sufficient care. The training course is unique in Austria; it offers new opportunities and ends the stigmatisation of sex work. Recognising the needs of the target groups also improves their physical and mental health.

Transfer

Due to high demand, our workshops will also be offered in Burgenland and Lower Austria in 2021. They can also be extended to all care facilities in Austria. The training course in Vienna is accessible to sex workers from all provinces. In the future, the course can be offered in other federal states.

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