Publications

SUBMISSIONS

• August 2020. Pink Cross Australia submission to the Federal Inquiry into Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence.  
• July 2020. Pink Cross Australia answers questions posed by MP Ms. Fiona Patten during the Daniel Andrews inquiry into the decriminalisation of ‘sex work’ in Victoria.
• December 2020. Equally Safe – Challenging’s Men’s demand for prostitution : consultation Analysis. Scottish Parliament.
• August 2015. Pink Cross Australia submission to the NSW Inquiry into The Regulation of Brothels

ARTICLES

Can the color pink really help in suppressing human aggression?

We often get asked “Why pink? Is pink your favourite colour? Wow, you guys must love pink!” Whilst I do have a fondness for this particular shade the reasons for our use of the colour pink are much more complex than its aesthetic appeal. I asked my assistant Steph to find out what the colour pink means, and here is what she found;

At first thought the colour pink is linked to femininity; it is a colour of love, of kindness and tenderness. However this stereo-typically ‘girly’ colour actually holds a much deeper meaning and carries with it a large degree of influence. For example did you know there is a link between the colour pink and the suppression of human aggression? Or that the exposure to certain shades of pink can induce relaxation and have the physical effects of lowering heart rates and blood pressure?

It is pretty astounding that merely looking at or being surrounded by a colour can have such a drastic effect on the human state.  It has been so effective that prisons have taken to painting certain cells in what has been deemed “Baker-Miller Pink” to reduce erratic or hostile behaviour of inmates. This technique has further been expanded to psychiatric wards where they have also seen a reduction in violence and increased relaxation among patients.

This Colour Psychology was first implemented in the US in 1979 by psychologist Alexander Schauss. Due to its success this use of pink has spread world-wide with Switzerland introducing their ‘Cool down Pink’ project on prisons and police station in 2013, with results showing “Anger levels can reduce in as little as 15 minutes”. Currently 20% of Swiss prisons and police stations have at least one pink cell.

On the back of these successful implementations the pink bandwagon has increased to active wear for elite athletes to relax before a big game, and to general interior design where people are using the colour pink for its calming qualities.  Pink is also a popular colour for believers in Feng Shui, who believe it soothes energy in a room.

So why are we ‘Pink’ Cross? Apart from our links to the American Pink Cross Foundation, we are pink because our organisation stands for what the colour pinks representations. Empowered Colour Psychology states that the meaning of pink is unconditional love and nurturing. This is what we aim to provide for all the individuals who engage our services. We are pink to provide a non-threatening, calm and inviting environment which is judgment free and hopeful, not to mention it looks great!

By Stephanie Dickson. September 2018

SESTA-FOSTA laws: Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act — Fight online Sex Trafficking Act

In April 2018 President Trump signed the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act — Fight online Sex Trafficking Act into Law. This act provides recourse for Prosecutors, State Attorney Generals and victims of sex trafficking within America to take legal action against websites who post ads for prostitution on their platforms.

Supporters of this act argue it will assist in combatting illegal sex trafficking, much of which involves children, and will eliminate an easy avenue for traffickers to profit.

The act has received bipartisan support within the US senate, and was also backed by major corporations such as Microsoft, Amazon and Netflix. The support also spread on a global level with UK MP Sarah Champion bringing the debate to the UK parliament suggesting they should also adopt similar laws.

Whilst this act is only binding within US borders its effect can be felt all around world, including Australia.

Many sites prostituted people use to promote their services are US based; sites such as ‘backpage’ and ‘cracker.’ These sites are now subject to criminal liability if individuals post ads for prostitution on their platforms. This in turn can also assist in curtailing trafficking and exploitation which occurs within Australian borders, however the ability for Australian prostituted people to promote their services has also diminished. Australian ‘sex worker’ Summer* is quoted as saying it has had a “huge effect” and she is now in fear that she will be booted from twitter, and fellow industry worker Raven* who frequently has short notice but high volume bookings has seen “her client list halved” as a result of SESTA-FOSTA.

Will this act actually decrease trafficking and sexual exploitation?  Only time will tell.

Written by: Stephanie Dickson, August 2018

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