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Author Topic: How to let sex workers know?  (Read 2315 times)

catlady85

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How to let sex workers know?
« on: 02 February 2018, 11:42:37 am »
Hey,

As well as being a sex worker, I recently started working for a sex worker outreach project in the UK. They're a non-political organisation focusing on providing support to sex workers. Most of the SW on our books have fairly complex needs (drug/alcohol dependency, homelessness, etc) so I would say 90% don't even have access to the internet, and work from the streets or parlours. Some are more privileged, and this charity try to provide outreach to all.
My question is: since new laws are coming in preventing charities from cold calling clients, it's getting harder to let SW know about the services we offer. More and more SW are working independently and indoors and so finding them is becoming trickier. What do you think are the best ways to approach SW in a non-invasive and non-threatening way? Where is the best place to advertise and what can you suggest? Mostly I call to parlours/brothels and drive around, but wondered if you had any other ideas?

thx xx

Nora batty

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Re: How to let sex workers know?
« Reply #1 on: 02 February 2018, 12:46:22 pm »
Have you considered contacting the websites where SW advertise to see if they would maybe either let you register as a guest and make posts informing everyone or even asking them to add your contact details and remit as extra information for escorts on their sites?

catlady85

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Re: How to let sex workers know?
« Reply #2 on: 02 February 2018, 12:49:50 pm »
I emailed AW but heard nothing back, but may try again.

That's quite a good idea thank you :)

xx

amy

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Re: How to let sex workers know?
« Reply #3 on: 02 February 2018, 06:10:16 pm »
I might be stating the bleeding obvious here, but you or somebody from the organisation you're talking about could register an account and post a thread in this section?

I'd also try contacting some other projects who are proactive with netreach especially - Basis would be a good one to ask? It isn't really a question for general members because we haven't done it :).

catlady85

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Re: How to let sex workers know?
« Reply #4 on: 05 February 2018, 11:08:03 am »
Basis are great, but the problem with net reach is that from March it's against the law so charities and companies are having to wind down. We can't approach sex workers.

I asked general members because I thought a "I'm a sex worker and this is what would work for me" mentality might help!

xx

SpaceHopper

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Re: How to let sex workers know?
« Reply #5 on: 05 February 2018, 12:39:12 pm »
A brothel I worked in used to have a noticeboard and people put posters/ cards of support services on there. Maybe brothels in your area have a simular thing?

catlady85

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Re: How to let sex workers know?
« Reply #6 on: 05 February 2018, 12:45:53 pm »
That's a really great idea! The issue is more finding the brothels in the first place :)

RosieBeyondtheGaze

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Re: How to let sex workers know?
« Reply #7 on: 16 February 2018, 03:18:41 pm »
Hi Baiseblue, Rosie here I'm a researcher on BtG  research project looking at the working conditions, safety and regulation of online sex work in the UK.  I've managed a number of sex work projects that do netreach. BtG during the 2.5 years we've been up and running as a participatory action research project has been consulting with projects and sex workers about working with people working in the online sector and specifically re netreach, we've had a networking group with various sex work projects within it. Based on research findings, consultation with sex workers and projects we're producing good practice guidance for working with online sex workers, this is being drafted. Indeed you may have heard about the research and this guidance, the project you are with might be involved. So as part of that there has been lots of discussion about how to let sex workers know about services in case they choose to utilise them and there has had to be some rethinking about netreach in the light of independent legal advice and advice from the office of the information commissioner re data protection regs and the regs on unsolicited email, sms, or any 'marketing' communication. That is an area there will be guidance on in the GPG which is published in September. Lots to share which would go on and on here.   Amy mentioned services like Basis who do netreach, I coordinate those folks at Basis who do netreach elements of the work with the online community in Leeds and as I say I am happy to chat more about that work and the wider learning from projects across the UK as part of BtG so far on the phone or whatever medium you feel comfortable with. Best wishes Rosie Uni of Leicester