How to stay safe in sex work

How to Stay Safe in Sex Work: A Guide to Protection and Rights

Sex work involves certain risks, but there are many ways to protect yourself and minimize danger. Whether you work from a brothel, from home, or online, it is important to know your rights, take precautions, and have a plan for your safety.

Working at a Location

Sex workers who work alone can be targets for violent clients or criminals posing as clients. Working together with others can increase safety, but in some countries, it may also mean an increased risk of arrest. Learn more about your rights and the legislation in your area.

• Inquire About Support from Management: Ask how receptionists or owners support you if you refuse a client.

• On-Site Safety: Choose places with CCTV monitoring and other safety measures. If management does not prioritize your safety or pressures you into something you do not want, consider changing workplaces.

• Have an Emergency Plan: Know escape routes, and always take an alarm and your mobile phone with you. If the place does not provide personal alarms, you might invest in one yourself.

Online Safety

Many sex workers operate via digital platforms. While this can provide greater flexibility, it also creates new risks.

• Screen Your Clients: For example, you can enter the client's phone number into MobilePay or similar services to verify the identity matches.

• Separate Work and Personal Life: Have separate phones, emails, and social media accounts. Never use your real name or personal information.

• Protect Your Face and Identity: Consider whether you want your face visible in advertising pictures. If you want anonymity, you can crop, blur, or pixelate your face and avoid visible tattoos.

• Payment Options: Ensure your payment method does not reveal your personal information.

• No Personal Belongings in the Work Space: If you have clients visiting, make sure personal pictures, letters, or documents are not visible.

• If You Work from Home: Consider a cover story for neighbors if you have many visitors—some sex workers use jobs like therapist or accountant as an explanation.

• Check Your Online Presence: Google your name and phone number to ensure your information has not been shared without your consent.

Personal Safety and Boundaries

It is important to set boundaries and protect yourself physically, mentally, and legally.

• Trust Your Gut Feeling: If a client or situation feels wrong, there is often a reason for it.

• Establish Working Conditions: Decide your working hours and what you are willing to do. Always agree on a safe word for BDSM and discuss boundaries in advance.

• Use a Buddy System: Arrange with a friend or colleague to check in with you before and after a meeting with a client.

• Have an Emergency Plan: Ensure your phone is fully charged, and have a backup mobile if possible. Have a trusted contact on speed dial.

• Plan Your Exits: Know escape routes and have a strategy for leaving a dangerous meeting quickly.

• Take Payment Up Front, and Split Your Money: This way, you minimize financial loss if something should happen.

• Use Your Own Condoms and Lubricant: Avoid using those provided by clients.

Dealing with Harassment and Threats

Online sex workers often experience unwanted messages, stalking, and threats of exposure.

• Block and Report Harassment: If you receive threats or unwanted contact, you can take screenshots and report it on the relevant platforms.

• Monitor Your Online Information: Regularly check if your images or contact details have been shared without your permission.

• Get Help to Remove Shared Images: If your images are shared without your consent, you can contact support@findescortnu.dk for help in getting them removed.

Consent and Rights

Your boundaries are important, and no one has the right to cross them.

• You Decide Which Work You Accept: Being a sex worker does not automatically mean you consent to all sexual activity. If someone forces you to do something you do not want, you can seek help and support.

• You Have the Right to Say No: Many myths suggest that sex workers cannot complain or say no—this is not true. You have the right to be heard and protected.

• Sexual Exploitation is Illegal: If you feel pressured to exchange sex for “services”—e.g., rent or debt—this constitutes sexual exploitation and is against the law. Seek help if you find yourself in this situation.

Final Thoughts

Safety should always be the top priority in sex work. By taking precautions, setting boundaries, and having a strong safety plan, you can protect yourself and your rights. If you experience problems, there are organizations that can provide assistance with legal advice and support.