Sex Workers

Sex Workers

‘Sex work’ is a term used to describe a wide range of activities relating to the exchange of money or other provisions (such as accommodation), in exchange for sexual services. This includes a broad range of activities such as indoor or on street sexual services, escorting, ‘web-camming’ or the sale of images and videos.

Sex work is inherently dangerous and those engaging in it face increased risk of significant harm and exploitation. According to the sex worker safety charity National Ugly Mugs, 183 sex workers were murdered in the UK since 1990. 110 of these were directly linked to sex work – either killed either by a client, in a sex working workplace or last seen alive in a known street sex work area. Based on this data from 1991 to 2000, working as a sex worker in the UK carried ‘the absolute greatest risk of occupational homicide for women' with 80% having experienced violence.

There can often be hidden links between sex work, sexual exploitation and modern slavery. Many sex workers are reluctant to report their abuse.

The focus must always be on listening to the needs of the sex worker and providing support by identifying vulnerability and safeguarding against the risk of harm at the earliest opportunity. 

'NPCC 2023 Guidance for Police Officers'

Provides 5 guiding statements for Police Officers:

1 - The sex industry is complex, often stigmatised, and has many evolving typologies. It is often hidden from the wider public. We recognise this environment is conducive to the abuse or exploitation of those selling sex.

2 - Policing will engage with sex workers to build mutual trust and confidence and encourage the sharing of information to improve safety. Our role does not include making judgements about personal morality.

3 - Policing will start from a position that that seeks to tackle exploitation, encouraging the reporting of crimes against sex workers and taking enforcement action against criminal perpetrators.

4 - Policing will seek to maximise safety and reduce vulnerability. We will work with partners to develop a problem-solving approach that tackles these issues.

5 - An evidence-based what works approach will be used to enhance awareness of officers and partners dealing with this complex environment. It will ensure the focus is on vulnerability and safety and a consistent approach across the country.

Very Brief Intervention

Ask

Initial questions:

What can I do to help?

Is there any support you think might help?

Do you want this to stop?

Are you worried about your safety? Have you got a safe place to go to?

Are there any individuals you are afraid of or worried about?

Essential tips officers can share with sex workers for staying safe while working

  • Sign up to National Ugly Mugs (NUM) to receive warnings about potentially dangerous individuals and situations.
  • Use a number or email checker to screen customers before agreeing to see them – NUM have these.
  • Note the client’s mobile phone number in case you need to report a crime at a later date – don’t take bookings from withheld numbers.
  • Be clear about the services that you are willing to provide and the cost from the beginning. Use your online profile as a place to be clear about these and always speak to the client yourself.
  • Network with other sex workers through online forums for sex workers where warnings about individuals targeting sex workers are shared.
  • Always agree business and take money first.
  • Have a plan ready in case something goes wrong.
  • Know the escape routes to a safe place within the building.
  • Always carry a personal safety alarm.
  • Never leave a key in the lock, as you could be locked in.
  • If you can, let someone know where you are going and when you intend to be back.
  • Try to avoid using drugs or alcohol when working. If you do then try to use an amount that keeps you aware and stable.
  • If you are offered refreshments by a client, only accept unopened drinks.
  • Carry a fully charged phone with emergency numbers on speed dial.
  • Always trust your instincts and be willing to say no.
  • Always try to take in as much information about a client as possible.
  • Don’t carry a weapon as this can be used against you.

Assist

Once you have established the particular circumstances and needs of the individual what can you do to help?

Please click on regional police force links at the bottom of the page for guidance and information about how you may assist and support sex workers locally.

Details of National support services for Sex workers can be found under the 'Act' tab.

 

Act

National Ugly Mugs (NUM)

NUM caseworkers are here to provide emotional and practical support to adults across sex industries. This could be just a listening ear, help with accessing resources or support to report harm, right through to the criminal justice system and court, if that is your choice. There are four members of the casework team. Two are qualified Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs), and there is also a specialist caseworker to support sex workers of colour and those who are trans/non-binary.

Telephone: 0161 629 9861 (general enquiries) / 0800 464 7669  (Sex Workers freephone) Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Website: Victim Support – National Ugly Mugs 

CrimeStoppers

Sex workers can report information anonymously about crimes committed against themselves or other sex workers to CrimeStoppers. They are an independent charity that allows you to report crime with a 100% guarantee of anonymity. 

Telephone: 0800 555 111

Online Form: Give information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org)

Website: Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org)

SAAFE (Support And Advice For Escorts) 

A website and forum full of help, support and advice for escorts, particularly those new to the industry.

Website: https://saafe.info/main/index.php

Suzy Lamplugh Trust- National Stalking Helpline

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust aims to reduce the risk and prevalence of abuse, aggression, and violence- with a specific focus on stalking and harassment- through education, campaigning and support. They raise awareness about personal safety and stalking and can provide safety resources including personal safety alarms. 

Telephone: 020 7091 0014 (General Enquiries) 

National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300

Website: www.suzylamplugh.org 

National Sexual Health Helpline

If you need sexual health advice now, you can call the National Sexual Health Helpline for free, Mon-Fri 9am-8pm or Sat-Sun 11am-4pm. It provides information about your nearest sexual health/GUM clinic if you want screening for sexually transmitted infections, post-exposure prophylaxis or sexual health information. Your call will be treated with sensitivity and in strict confidence. 

Telephone: 0300 123 7123

Website: Where can I get sexual health advice, now? - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Beyond The Streets

They offer a free confidential support service for women in the sex industry. Women support workers are available to take your call Mon-Thurs 9:30am-3:30pm and Fri 9:30am until noon. If no one is available to take your call, or you call outside of these times, leave your phone number or email address and someone will get in contact with you. 

Telephone: 0800 133 7870

Website: https://beyondthestreets.org.uk/i-want-support

If you're being forced into any kind of sex work, this is sexual exploitation, a form of Modern Slavery. For more information and advice please look at the Modern Slavery topic.

Local Support and Contact Details