Sex workers often face high rates of violence and encounter unique barriers when seeking support, including stigma, legal challenges, and limited access to safe resources.
It’s time to make a change and demand better support.
Together, we can help create safer environments and promote greater understanding and advocacy for the rights and well-being of all individuals in this community.
This article aims to provide allies with practical ways to support survivors of violence within the sex work community and offer survivors valuable information on where to find help and resources in the UK.
Understanding the challenges faced by survivors in the sex work community
Survivors of violence in the sex work community face distinct challenges when seeking help, primarily due to societal stigma and discrimination.
Negative stereotypes and judgement discourage many from reporting incidents or accessing support, as they fear being blamed or dismissed. These stereotypes and stigmas are false but are perpetuated mainly by the media, as sex workers are rarely portrayed as empowered in films or on TV.
Significant barriers to reporting violence include fear of criminalisation and a lack of trust in authorities who may not take their experiences seriously.
Limited access to specialised resources further hinders support, leaving many without the safe, understanding assistance they need to seek justice and healing—even in developed countries like the UK.
Experiences of violence can also profoundly impact survivors’ mental health, often leading to trauma, anxiety, and depression. These effects are amplified by isolation and stigma, making it difficult to seek help and healing.
Trauma-informed support is essential, as it respects survivors’ experiences and provides compassionate care that fosters healing and long-term well-being.
And that’s why we want to raise awareness with this article.
How to support survivors of violence in the sex work community
Ready to support survivors? Here are four tangible steps you should consider before acting:
1. Listen and validate
Creating a safe, non-judgmental space for survivors to share their stories is crucial.
Listen to survivors with empathy and without interruption, letting them know their experiences are valid and heard.
Simple expressions of support, like “I believe you,” can provide comfort and empower survivors in their journey toward healing and recovery.
Though it might feel helpful, don’t start talking about your own experiences unless asked. Instead, allow them to talk about their experiences and hold space for their emotions.
2. Respect privacy and autonomy
Respecting survivors’ privacy and autonomy is also essential—and everyone operates differently.
Each individual’s choices must be honoured, including whether to seek help or continue working.
If someone isn’t interested in talking yet, don’t push them for their own good. Likewise, reserve judgment if someone goes back to escorting after a bad experience.
Avoid pressuring them to take any particular action. Empowering survivors means supporting their right to make decisions at their own pace and comfort level without anyone else’s opinions.
3. Offer practical help
Allies and loved ones can offer meaningful support by assisting survivors with practical tasks, especially in cases where survivors don’t want to talk about their experiences.
This could include:
- Accompanying them to appointments
- Helping them access local resources
- Assistance with complex legal or healthcare systems
Or even simply cooking them a nice meal or spending time with them.
Small, tangible actions show solidarity, making it easier for survivors to get the help they need confidently and safely.
4. Challenge stigmas and educate others
Lastly, allies can play a crucial role by actively challenging stigma and promoting understanding.
Start by educating yourself and others on the realities of sex work and the unique violence many survivors face. This helps to dispel misconceptions and foster empathy.
You should also start speaking out against judgement, discrimination, and harmful stereotypes, as this creates a more welcoming and supportive environment for survivors.
Though these tasks may seem minor or even insignificant in the grand scheme of things, your efforts can break down barriers, making it easier for those affected to seek help, feel valued, and rebuild their lives.
Where survivors can seek help: Helplines, organisations, and resources in the UK
If you’re a survivor seeking support, remember that help is available.
Here are helplines, organisations, and resources across the UK dedicated to offering care, understanding, and guidance whenever you need it.
Jump to our complete sex work resources guide here.
National helplines and crisis services
Hotlines are free services you can use if you want to speak with someone as soon as possible. Usually, these are open 24/7.
- Samaritans — 116 123
- Rape Crisis England & Wales — 0808 500 222
- Rape Crisis Scotland — 08088 01 03 02
- National Domestic Abuse Hotline — 0808 2000 247
- Safeline — 01926 402 498
Sex worker-specific support organisations
Alongside hotlines, there are dedicated organisations that specialise in support for UK sex workers:
- SWARM (Sex Worker Advocacy and Resistance Movement)
- National Ugly Mugs
- English Collective of Prostitutes (ECP)
- POW Nottingham
- The Lotus Project Bradford
Mental health and counselling services
Plenty of organisations also provide non-judgemental sex work-friendly mental health support, often through crisis lines, counselling, or online therapy.
Here are some UK-based options:
- Spectra London SWP Counselling
- The Survivors Trust
- Survivors UK
- Shout (text-based support)
Calling the hotlines in the first section can also be helpful, as these professionals can point you towards mental health and counselling services.
Read more about sex work-friendly therapy here.
Legal and advisory services
Several UK organisations offer legal and advocacy support for survivors:
- Release — provides free and confidential legal advice on drug and sex work-related issues.
- Rights of Women — offers legal information for women on violence and discrimination.
- National Ugly Mugs — supports sex workers by reporting crimes and providing safety resources.
How allies can help survivors connect with resources
Allies are instrumental in helping survivors access the right resources, and it’s essential to know how to help with compassion and without judgment.
When sharing resources with survivors, offer information sensitively, letting them decide if and when to seek help. Encourage connecting with trusted networks or peer support groups where they can find mutual understanding and aid.
You can also support survivors in ongoing safety planning by helping them identify safe spaces, trusted contacts, and emergency options for immediate needs or future concerns.
By respecting their autonomy and focusing on practical and compassionate guidance, you can empower survivors to feel secure and supported at every step.
Ways to take action and advocate for change
Now is the best time to start taking action and making the future a better place. Here are some places you can get started:
- Share informative posts on social media
- Host community discussions
- Participating in events that amplify their voices and experiences
- Support policy changes by advocating for sex worker protection measures, such as decriminalisation and enhanced justice access
- Donate to or volunteer with sex work-friendly organisations
No change is too small. What’s important is that you take the first step.
The takeaway
Supporting survivors in the sex work community requires empathy, respect, and meaningful action.
Real change starts with understanding and advocacy. By committing to these values and sharing resources within our networks, we help amplify the support available and strengthen the community’s safety and resilience.
Let’s work together and make a difference for survivors.
