For anyone in the Northumberland/Newcastle area who has any concerns about reporting something relating to sex work, I just wanted to share my recent experience as I was in 2 minds about speaking to them.

Hopefully knowing how well I was looked after will encourage people to report anything they suspect is dodgy, and that knowing the procedure for reporting rape/sexual assault on the job, providers will be more likely to get help.

After a client tampered with a condom and came inside me without my consent I contacted a DLO by the name of Beth Burns. Beth had helped me previously when a client was harassing me and I'd found her to be very supportive so I thought contacting her for advice would be a good first step in finding out what (if anything) could be done. Based on the client asking for BB and being refused, as well as a few other things said during the booking I was doubtful the condom broke of its own accord and Beth was equally suspicious.

Beth responded to my email within 20mins despite it being late on in the evening and arranged for 2 female police officers to come to my home within 2 hours to take a statement and collect evidence.

Both the officers who visited me were extremely professional and courteous, at no point were they judgemental. They ran through some basic questions about what was said and done during the booking and in the comms beforehand. They collected evidence in the form of the lingerie I was wearing, the bedding and the wipes I had used to clean up the ejaculate.

I was then taken to the REACH office in Newcastle, where a nurse took further information about the booking, my medical history, contraceptive and sexual health records, and samples. This involved a blood and urine sample, and swabs from my mouth, labia, vagina, cervix and anus. She then gave me several leaflets about sexual health, counselling and next steps. If I had needed emergency contraception that would have been given as well

My partner was with me throughout except while medical samples were being taken. While he was out of the room I was asked me if I was a sex worker of my own free will and that help would be provided if this was not the case. I think this is very important, as is the fact that my partner was dealt with professionally both before and after.

The next day I was picked up by 2 female officers and taken to the police station to give a video statement of exactly what took place, again these officers were friendly, professional and courteous. They brought me back home, took some photos of my bedroom and returned my clothing and bedding.

They also explained they had the client in custody and would begin interviewing him based on the video evidence I had provided. They explained the possible options on how he could answer the charges and reassured me that should he be released my safety would be ensured.

I can't really go into more detail from there, but hopefully the matter will be resolved soon. From my initial email to the DLO to having the client questioned took 16 hours.

TL;DR?

If you are a Service Provider and have been assaulted, please please please speak out. You will be believed, you will be supported and you will be respected by the police.

I initially thought of this as a risk that went with the job, but it's not, the only way we ensure this kind of behaviour is stopped is by speaking out and I just hope that knowing Northumbria police are sympathetic and understanding will encourage people to come forward in future

xx

Thanks for taking the time to post this Jessi - I've moved it here where it'll stay at the top longer and be easier to find by people who might be looking for support .

Thanks Amy, I wasn't sure where would be best

xx

My experience of reporting to the police in what is a less well-served, much less aware (because there aren't many sex workers around) area has also been on the whole very good.

I've obtained good help and support, the only time I didn't get a great response has been when I've been a bit flaky myself.

So definitely don't hesitate to get help and advice when needed.

This is so good to know that these type of incidents which to me is a form of rape risking your life without your knowledge is taken serious from the police. I hope he gets punished for this act but not sure if it would make court as no doubt he would say condom split. Please let us know the outcome if you can and if the CPS take it further.