Sex work, like any other profession, comes with its own set of challenges, often making safety a major concern. Many sex workers experience high levels of victimisation but choose not to report crimes to the police due to fear of stigma and a lack of trust in the system.
What Challenges Do Sex Workers Face?
When surveyed about the difficulties they encounter, 76% of sex workers identified timewasters as their biggest challenge. Additionally:
- 32% struggle with price haggling
- 25% face clients refusing to use protection
- 20% experience violent behaviour
These challenges highlight the need for greater protections and support within the industry.
Some sex workers also reported facing additional challenges, including requests for free photos with no intention of booking, racial abuse from clients, threats, and violations of personal boundaries.
What Forms of Abuse Do Sex Workers Experience?
Our findings show that the most common form of abuse faced by sex workers is verbal abuse, reported by 58% of respondents. Additionally:
- 27% have experienced physical abuse
- Over 24% have faced bullying or cyberbullying
Tips for Staying Safe While Working
When asked for safety advice, sex workers shared the following tips:
- 22% emphasised the importance of staying vigilant, recognising red flags, and trusting your instincts
- 15% recommended informing friends or family of their whereabouts or sharing their real-time location
- 14% advised always using protection
Prioritising safety, setting clear boundaries, and maintaining awareness of potential risks can help sex workers protect themselves while working.
Additional Safety Tips from Sex Workers
In addition to general precautions, sex workers also recommended the following safety measures:
- Meeting in public places
- Not sharing personal information
- Being clear about the services offered
- Blacklisting bad clients
- Carrying a panic alarm
- Avoiding timewasters
- Sticking to regular clients
- Working from a place where they feel safe
- Not accepting intoxicated clients
- Speaking to the client via video call before meeting
- Ignoring customers who request unprotected services
- Avoiding arguments
What Support Would Sex Workers Like to Stay Safe?
When asked about the support they need for a safer working environment:
- 21% of sex workers expressed the need for easy access to health services, including free contraception, STI testing, and mental health support.
- 20% called for better police support in cases of crime, stronger action against abusers, and a dedicated hotline for sex workers.
- Over 12% advocated for clearer legislation around sex work and the ability to work in groups to improve safety.
Other sex workers highlighted the importance of professional support, advice, and training, covering everything from safety to financial management. Many also stressed the need for public education on sex work to reduce stigma and promote understanding of the profession.
Support Organisations for Sex Workers in the UK
To improve safety and support for sex workers, several leading organisations provide vital resources and assistance, including:
- National Ugly Mugs (NUM): Offers specialist, non-judgmental support to sex workers and helps victims of crime access justice and essential resources.
- ClientEye: A platform where sex workers can report timewasters, no-shows, nuisance callers, and dangerous or abusive clients.
- Changing Lives’ Net Reach Programme: Provides a range of support services for those advertising sexual services online.
Continuing the Fight for Better Protection
The push for stronger protections and rights for sex workers remains ongoing. If you’re concerned about your safety, explore our Sex Worker Safety Hub for articles, advice, and guidance on staying safe while working.