Hi all,

I'm currently doing my Masters in Research in Anthropology and my fieldwork project seeks to collect baseline data to unravel how the current British anti-trafficking policies and legislation are affecting the ?lived realities? of sex workers in London. This is with particular reference to how the 'Policing and Crime Act' and other legislation affect risk taking behaviour, i.e. through the geographical ASBOs etc.

As such, I am looking for women in the sex industry to very informally interview/chat with for my dissertation. I will, of course, compensate you for your time and all conversations will be strictly anonymous and confidential.

I live in Islington but am willing to travel anywhere within zone 1-4 to meet informants.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Hi LIVI - I couldn't really help you personally as I live in Scotland. One thing I would ask though, is what exactly is it that you are looking to discuss? I think it's highly unlikely that any escorts present here have been trafficked or are under duress or coercion in doing what they do - so what real material could we provide you with? Just a brief outline of our working lives?

And over and above that - why would you need a face-to-face interview? Couldn't you always get in touch with escorts and find out if they'd be willing to chat over the phone for so many minutes on your topic? It would likely mean less inconvenience for both parties. Sure, you couldn't verify the precise individual on the other end of the line - but neither could you verify if someone you meet face-to-face is who they say they are.

And also beware that when you say you'll compensate escorts for their time - some are rather cynical of such offers, and will ask essentially for you to compensate them at their usual going rate for that time spent. I personally wouldn't mind chatting to someone with an academic interest in the sex industry for a small payment for my time - if I actually had something worthwhile to share with them on what they wanted to know - but I speak only for myself, and I don't think I can help you.

Best wishes.