Sex Workers - Safety Tips

General Tips to Keep Us Safe

Sex work can be a dangerous business especially street level. Here are some tips to keep safe and take care. Let’s help others reduce the risks and pass this on!

• Always negotiate price and service. Get the money up front.
• Do not work when you are high or drunk. You will be less likely to take foolish risks.
• Wear shoes in which you can run, or that you can slip off easily.
• Do not wear anything around your neck that a client can use to strangle or drag you such as necklaces, scarves, etc.
• Carry a cell phone. You can call yourself and leave a message with a description or text the license plate to a friend. That way they know you are not as isolated and vulnerable.
• Work with friends if possible. If you have to work alone, be creative and carry a piece of chalk with you to write down the license plate of your next client on the sidewalk or wall where you are standing. Always casually tell a client you have been seen leaving in their car and are expected back at a certain time.
• Carry a whistle. Some prefer to carry devices that can be used to protect themselves such as mace. However, it has been proven that such things can be turned against you at any given time. A whistle is safe, small, compact, legal and loud.
• Share information with other sex workers. If you have had a bad experience with a client, pass the details on to organizations that have a direct connection to bad date reporting. Mobile Access Project takes reports by calling 604-720-5683. Describe the car, the rap, and anything that will help others to avoid this person.

Working Safe Choose Your Environment

• Fairly safe: take out an ad in the local alternative paper or on the net.
• Fairly safe: sign up with a service.
• Less safe: work in clubs and bars.
• Least safe: be extremely careful on the street. Try to work with others.

Observe the Client

• Listen to his voice.
• Observe his body language.
• Listen to your intuition-- if it does not feel right, there is a good chance it is not.
• Trust your instincts and be willing to turn customers down.
• Are they high? Are they drunk? Are you prepared to deal with them? Always ask yourself these questions.

Entering a Client's Vehicle

• Make sure the client is alone. More than one person increases your risks.
• Do a full circle around the car. Get the license plate number.
• Check behind the back seat to make sure that no one is hiding.
• Always check door handles before you get in to make sure they work.
• Make sure you know how to unlock the door before entering car.
• Try to avoid vans, pickups, and SUVs, especially with tinted windows.

Going Somewhere

• Unless it is a regular, avoid bridges, tunnels and dimly lit unfamiliar places.
• Pick your own parking spots and hotels.
• Check the address. If the client says they are taking you to one place, but pulls up to another, this may not be all they are lying about.
• Do not enter a room if there is more than one person. If others show up, leave immediately.
• When in a car or in a room, keep an eye on the exit at all times and do not let the customer block your access to it.
• It is safer for you to bring a client to your house and hide a friend in the closet than it is for you to go to the client’s house and have his friend hiding in the closet.
• If the client takes you to their place, check for hidden cameras (especially in mirrors) and in all the rooms and closets for unsuspected guests.

Stay True to Self and Know Your Limits

• Take charge of the situation. control negotiations with clients, set clear limits for accepting or rejecting and maintain prices and safe-sex practices.
• You are less vulnerable if you are on top.
• It is wiser to give than to get. This goes for bondage, spankings, water sports, oral sex, and rimming.
• It is never a good idea to allow a stranger to tie you up.
• Decide for yourself what you will and will not do.
• Do not carry drugs or excessive amounts of cash.

Safety Tips with Clients

• Do not rob your clients because it may have negative consequences for your fellow colleagues and you will not have repeat business.
• Be honest about your gender, many trans-woman have had extremely bad dates due to not disclosing their identity.
• Do not promise a service that you are not willing to do, if you hate Greek don't promise you are going to do it, there is always another date waiting just for you.