TRIBUTES were paid to two North-East women as part of an international day to end violence against sex workers.

‘Red Umbrella Day’ was staged across the world on Friday, December 16 in a bid to raise awareness around issues faced by those linked to the sex industry.

Teesside charity A Way Out marked the day by inviting people to contribute to a ‘remembrance wall’ and share memories of two local women who were linked to sex work before losing their lives this year.

Team leader Beverley Brown said: “The women who passed away sadly followed the trend of facing abuse in childhood which led to drug addiction and a lifestyle of being trapped in survival sex work.

“That is a trend we see regularly with our women, who are often trapped in a cycle that is incredibly hard to break from, from a young age.”

The International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers attempts to raise awareness of crimes committed against sex workers and to remove stigma and discrimination.

It was marked across the world, and at A Way Out, with the unfurling of red umbrellas, the symbol of human rights linked to the sex industry.

Sarah McManus, from A Way Out, said: “We have seen, at first hand, how victims of this kind of violence suffer both physical and psychological trauma.

“We are committed to empowering every woman we engage with to lead healthy, fulfilled and safe lives, free from abuse and exploitation.

“This International day is an important event which raises awareness and encourages others to take action on this issue.”