Safety in Sex Work

Sex work is one of the most dangerous professions there is. Often there are situations that put you at risk for violence because of the isolating factors of the sex trade. Here are some tips to stay safer while working.

· Always get the money up front and negotiate your services before you get started. It is more difficult to negotiate after the fact.

· When working on the street, try to work with a friend. Watch out for each other; notice the details of the date (age, ethnicity, identifying features such as tattoos/scars), and their car (color, year, make). Also notice what time they left, and write down the license plate number if you can.

· When doing outcall work, make sure someone knows where you are going and what time you are expected to return. If your agency doesn’t do this for you, or you work independently, find a friend that you can trust.

· When getting into a car or going into a date’s place make sure you are the only one there. Scan the room, check behind doors and in back seats.

· Try to stay sober, or reduce the amount of drugs and alcohol you use on a date. The more high or drunk you are, the more difficult it is to negotiate with clients. While high or drunk you may agree to services that you do not normally offer.

· Read bad date sheets and carry one with you.

· Don’t carry valuables on you-purse, wallet, jewellery could all be stolen. Carry only your Health Care card for ID.

· Above all trust your instincts. If you don’t trust someone, don’t go with them. Very rarely are our instincts wrong!

Bad Dates:

Shift publishes the bad date sheet so sex workers can share bad experiences and help protect each other. Please report any bad dates you have had anonymously and confidentially. You can report online at www.shiftcalgary.org or leave a message on our 24 hour hot-line number: 403. 237.8171. Staff at Safeworks, can also help you to report: 403. 850.3755. Both indoor and outdoor workers can report bad dates.

So, what is a bad date? Anything that you do not want yourself or others to experience. Anytime you get that uneasy or creepy feeling, theft, refusal of payment, threats or all acts of violence are examples of a bad date. To report the bad date to Calgary Police Services, please call 403. 206.5950.