Craigslist Long Island serial killer case prompts concern for sex workers (video)
Long Island, NY - On Tuesday, women working in the sex industry who advertise their services online were told to be careful as concern grows over the Craigslist Long Island serial killer who is believed to have murdered a number of prostitutes.
Ten sets of remains have been found in Suffolk County and Nassau County and four of the bodies have been identified as women who advertised sexual services on Craigslist.
Sex worker advocates are making an extra effort to counsel women on how to avoid becoming a victim of a violent client.
Social worker Maryse Mitchell-Brody co-founded New York’s Sex Workers Outreach Program and said she tells prostitutes to “Trust your gut.”
In addition, sex workers are encouraged to get to know one another and make friends so they can let each other know where they are going and when a session with a client is supposed to end.
“Tell somebody where you are going to be,” Mitchell-Brody told media. “Send them a call beforehand. Say that ‘if you don’t hear from me by a certain time, call the police or tell this person who is nearby.”
She also believes prostitution should not be a crime, as the threat of arrest deters prostitutes from reporting when they have been victims of violence or other types of crimes.
“That’s why serial killers target sex workers,” Mitchell-Brody said. “Because they know they can get away with it.”
To see a video report regarding the search for the Craigslist Long Island serial killer, click on the player to the left of this article, or click here.
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