Sex work & sex workers study

This study explored the views of sex workers on the good and bad experiences of legal sex work. We also asked if they viewed their work as being accepted by the general public.

Participants reported that they saw legal sex work as safer than illegal sex work, but sex work was still not socially accepted by the general public. They also described six conflicting sides to sex work. The money is rewarding yet entrapping. The work provided some opportunity to do other work in the sex industry, but at the same time severely limited opportunities outside the sex industry. Freedom to work when you choose is a huge benefit, but the mental pressure of providing the best service to clients, performing sexually and looking good are seen as hard work. Workmates were supportive in some situations, but could also become competitive and nasty. Most of the participants left their families in the dark about their work to protect them but felt guilty about having to live a ‘double life.’ While legalisation has improved the safety of sex work, stigma and discrimination still persist.