Description: According to several international studies, sex workers experience high levels of work-related violence, which manifests itself in different types of violence from different types of perpetrators (Bungay et al., 2012; Kinnell, 2013; Surratt et al., 2004). It is estimated that between 45% and 75% of sex workers worldwide have already been the victim of violence during their job (Deering et al., 2014). They perceive violence and other risks as an inherent aspect of their profession (Armstrong, 2017; Ślęzak, 2017).
Nevertheless, sex workers’ willingness to report violence and victimization to the police remains low. Sex workers report low levels of confidence in the police (Benoit et al., 2016). To ensure their safety, sex workers employ various safety mechanisms before, during, and after a date with a client (Ślęzak, 2017). This is especially the case for escorts, who meet their clients at an often-unknown location, such as the clients’ house or in a hotel, where social control is limited. For example, escorts have a thorough screening process for clients, they share their live location on WhatsApp with a trustee, and report problematic clients on informal online black lists.
Through in-depth interviews and focus groups with escorts in Belgium and the Netherlands, we try to gain more insight into (1) cis-female escort’s feelings of safety and unsafety regarding their job, (2) the safety mechanisms they apply before, during, and after a date with a client, (3) the role of the police as an actor of formal social control, and (4) the impact of legal frameworks (legalization versus decriminalization).
Promotors: Prof. dr. Sofie De Kimpe (VUB), Prof. dr. Lucas Melgaço (VUB)
Researchers: Pia Struyf
Funding: VUB
Duration: 2019-2026
Research Line: Policing & Surveillance