We work with sex workers of all genders, working in all areas of the sex industry, but predominantly cis and trans women, including many migrant, women of colour and lesbian/queer women. Many are mothers supporting families in the UK or abroad.
Sex workers are involved in all aspects of our work. We’re a grassroots collective of current and former sex workers, working in all areas of the sex industry – both on the streets and indoors.
1. Criminalisation which increases sex workers’ vulnerability to exploitation and violence, exposes us to stigma and discrimination and prevents us leaving prostitution if we want to. We campaign for money and other resources so anyone can leave prostitution if they want.
2. High levels of rape and other violence. Sex workers are systematically denied protection by the police and courts. Violent men target sex workers knowing that most of us fear being exposed because of the risk of prosecution and (for those of us who are immigrants) deportation.
Since we were founded in 1975, we have been campaigning for the decriminalisation of prostitution, for sex workers’ rights and safety and for money and resources to enable people to leave prostitution if they want to.
We work to oppose laws and policies which increase the criminalisation of sex workers and undermine safety; defend sex workers’ legal, civil, human and economic rights through casework and campaigning; oppose laws and policies which impoverish and/or discriminate against women and others with less power – driving us into prostitution by closing other financial options; and provide help and support for sex workers, including many victims of violence through advocacy, rights-based information and outreach.
We have an international network including sister organisations in Thailand (Empower) and the US (US PROStitutes Collective).