Violence against sex workers

Too many sex workers are assaulted and hurt simply because of the work they do. Violent crime must be reported to help keep everybody safe.

We believe everybody has the right to be safe whilst they earn a living.

As a sex worker, you are most likely to see or hear something about a crime against a member of your community. You can speak up and tell us what you know. 100% anonymously - guaranteed:

Give information anonymously

Violence can be a daily occurrence when working in the sex industry.

You may feel helpless when you know someone is the victim of a violent crime. Speak up to protect yourself and others.

We have partnered with the charity National Ugly Mugs (NUM) who specialise in providing direct support to sex workers.

You can take action:

Check NUM to know if your client presents a risk, and
report all violent and abusive clients to NUM, Crimestoppers or the police.

Make sure you get a good note of:

Physical attributes: build, height, age, hair colour, eye colour, facial hair
Distinguishing features: scars, piercings, tattoos
Any physical disabilities
Any accent and language spoken aside from English
Vehicle details: registration number, make, model, colour, any scrapes/dents on vehicle
Any details about where they live or any other information about themselves they have told you.

NUM is a UK-wide charity working with sex workers to do research, design and deliver safety tools and to provide support services to people in adult industries.

Become a member for free

As a NUM member you can:

Report an incident
Get alerts
Check details of potential clients.

Keeping safe: information for sex workers

Know your area. Know your way to get away to safety.
Try to not work in areas which are secluded and not well-lit.
Always carry a personal alarm.
Buddy up with someone where possible.
Check in with someone at regular intervals - make sure someone knows where you are.
Make sure you receive money up front and put it somewhere safe. Do NOT keep all your money in one place.
If you are getting into a car/van, inspect the vehicle at arm's length before you get in.
Do not get into a car with more than one client at a time.

Make sure you have a close friend/relative's number on speed dial.
When a client arrives, pay attention to anything on them that looks dangerous or that could potentially be used to restrain/hurt someone.
Move anything in your home that could be used as a weapon against you, such as large ornaments, scarves or kitchen utensils.
Having mirrors placed around the room will help you keep an eye on what your client is doing at all times.
Set clear professional boundaries. If your punter thinks your arrangement with them is a relationship, this may lead to stalking and other unwanted behaviour.
Be aware of what mood your client seems to be in, so you can assess if they are a risk.
Make sure you receive money up front and do NOT keep all your money in one place.

Never use your real name.
Never give out your personal address or phone number.
Never park your car directly outside your place of work.
Always take a personal alarm into the room with you when working with a client.
Always be aware of your surroundings in case you are being followed when you leave work.
Set clear professional boundaries. If your punter thinks your arrangement with them is a relationship, this may lead to stalking and other unwanted behaviour.

Tell us what you know. Call 0800 555 111 any time, 24/7, 265 days a year. Or fill in our secure onliine form, right here on our website.

Give information anonymously

28 January 2025