Contact Information
Centre for Addictions Research of British Columbia
P.O. Box 1700 STN CSC
University of Victoria
Victoria, BC, Canada, V8W 2Y2
Phone: 562-266-4035
Fax: 250-472-5321
Website: www.carbc.ca
Email: lecasey@uvic.ca

Academic Information
Ph.D. (Candidate): 2010 - present
Social Dimensions of Health
University of Victoria

Masters of Arts: 2002
Department of Sociology
University of Manitoba

Bachelor of Arts (Honours): 1995
Department of Sociology
University of Winnipeg

Research Interests
I am interested in understanding intersections of violence, trauma and mental health among a comparative sample of male, female, and transgendered off-street sex workers (including escorts, massage parlour workers and exotic dancers) working in both urban and rural Canadian settings. My primary objective is to determine whether rural location serves as a protective factor for these individuals, giving them greater access to social supports than their counterparts working in urban areas. I will also determine whether the experiences will be similar for different genders, exploring various factors such as exposure to various forms of violence and other forms of victimization, strategies to avoid harmful situations, physical and emotional health, substance use and mental health risk behaviours.

Publications

• Phillips, R., Casey, L., and Leischner, C. (2011). “Care Work in the Context of Stigma: Providing Frontline Services to Persons Involved in the Sex Industry.” In Benoit, C. and Hallgrimsdottir, H. (Editors). Valuing Care Work: Comparative Perspectives. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.
• Jansson, M., Benoit, C., Casey, L., Phillips, R. & Burns, D. (2010). In for the long haul: Knowledge translation between academic and non-profit organizations. Qualitative Health Research, 20: 131-143.
• Benoit, C., Jansson, M., Casey, L., Phillips, R. & Burns, D. (2010). “Developing knowledge transfer with non-profit organizations serving vulnerable populations.” In E. Bannister, B. Leadbeater & A. Marshall (Editors) Knowledge Translation in Community-Based Research and Social Policy Contexts. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.
• Strega, S., Casey, L., Rutman, D. (2009). Sex workers addressing treatment. Women’s Health and Urban Life, 8: 42-53.

Abstracts and Presentations

• Casey, L. (2010). Substance use among sex workers: challenging the myths. Centre for Addictions Research of British Columbia, Victoria, BC
• Casey, L. (2010). Guest Lecturer, Sexual Recovery Institute, Los Angeles, CA
• Casey, L. (2010). Guest Lecturer, Women’s Studies Department: University of Victoria: WS 329, Gender and Substance Use
• Casey, L. (2009). Innovative harm reduction/support strategies for sex workers. International Harm Reduction Conference, Bangkok, Thailand.
• Casey, L. & Phillips, R. (2009). Behind closed doors. Women’s Health Research Network Conference, Victoria, BC
• Casey, L. & Phillips, R. (2008). Behind closed doors research findings. Canadian Sociological Association International Congress, Vancouver, BC
• Casey, L. (2008). Innovative support strategies for sex workers: a look beyond illicit substance use. Risks/Rewards/Responsibilities Conference on Substance Abuse, Vancouver, BC.
• Casey, L. (2007). The emergence of the experiential movement: Keynote address: Other Voices National Forum. Halifax, NS.
• Casey, L. (2007). Innovative treatment for sex workers. Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse: Issues of Substance 2nd National Conference, Edmonton, AB
• Casey, L. (2006). Women, crack cocaine addiction and the sex trade industry: a standpoint analysis. Women’s Health Research Network, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC
• Casey, L. & Hodgins, D. (2006). Experience matters! Alberta Harm Reduction Conference, Lethbridge, AB
• Casey, L. (2006). Moderated a special session on international sex work issues at the World Urban Forum, Vancouver, BC.
• Casey, L. (2005). Illicit substance use among sex workers. Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse: Issues of Substance 1st National Conference, Markham, ON
• Casey, L. & Vandal, R. (2005). Shattering silence: Gang members and sex workers speak out. 2nd National Conference on Prostitution, Sex Work and the Commercial Sex Industry, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH.

Other Pursuits and Interests
In addition to my research interests, I enjoy traveling and experiencing different cultures. I have visited Africa, Thailand, Mexico, Jamaica, Amsterdam, the British Isles, and throughout Canada and the United States. Future travel plans include going to South America and Antarctica. I currently reside in Los Angeles, California with my husband, where we enjoy year-round sunshine and outdoor activities including hiking, yoga and swimming.