Get help and support if you're working in the sex industry and you're concerned about your safety and well-being.
“Prostitution” is a legal term for selling sexual services which is also called “sex work”.
Sex work can include:
Sex work can include other activities such as:
If a person over the age of 18 sells or exchanges sexual services they are not committing a crime.
If a person under the age of 18 sells or exchanges sexual services, this is Sexual Exploitation of a Child, not “sex work” or “prostitution”.
Brighton & Hove Safeguarding Children Partnership provides more information on local responses to Child Sexual Exploitation.
The following activities are crimes in the UK:
It's also illegal in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to:
If you're working in the sex industry it may seem scary to contact services for support, or to report violence or abuse.
Help and support is available. Violence and abuse is never acceptable.
If you have experienced any form of violence, abuse, stalking or harassment or worry about your safety when sex working, support is available.
The Modern Slavery Helpline and Resource Centre brings us closer to the eradication of modern slavery.
Brighton Oasis Project offers support to women, children and families affected by drugs and alcohol.
Brighton Oasis Project delivers a Sex Workers Outreach Project, a discreet and confidential service for women working in the sex industry.
The National Ugly Mugs scheme is a national scheme and is open to all sex workers.
The Terrence Higgins Trust provides male and female sexual health advice and Sex Worker Outreach.
The Saturn Centre is a Sexual Assault Referral Centre that offers free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support to people ages 14 years and older in Sussex that have experienced sexual assault including rape in their lifetime.
The SWARM Collective is a sex worker led collective who campaigns for the rights and safety of everyone who sells sexual services.
The English Collective of Prostitutes is a self-help organisation of sex workers, working both on the street and in premises, with a national network throughout the UK.
To report a crime:
If you're worried about speaking to the police, you can contact SWOP Sussex at Oasis Project or National Ugly Mugs to get support and discuss options.
Find support services for victims of: