Umbrella Project

There are many reasons why people might sell sex, and those that do, have the right to feel safe and secure.

There are organisations locally and nationally that can help someone who is selling sex. These organisations will treat a person with dignity and will respect their privacy and confidentiality. They will support them if they want to provide information to the police and/or report a crime.

People who do not consent to the activity they engage in are not to be considered sex workers. They are victims of sexual exploitation. People who consent to sexual activity but are subject to control may not be able to give true consent.

Keep a record of the client's mobile phone number
Download and use the Client Eye safety App
Don't take bookings from withheld numbers
Be clear about the services you provide
Always agree business and take money first
Have a plan ready in case something goes wrong
Know your escape routes
Never leave a key in the lock, as you could be locked in
Always carry a personal safety alarm
Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back
Try to avoid using drugs or alcohol when working
Don't carry a weapon as this can be used against you
Carry a fully charged phone with emergency numbers of speed dial
Always trust your instincts and be willing to say no

Survival Sex - Those who engage in commercial sex because they see no alternative.
Sex Workers - Those who do not necessarily choose to work in the sex industry but by virtue of their circumstances engage in commercial sex because to them it is better than the alternative.
Sexual Entrepreneurs - Those who have chosen to engage in commercial sex as a career choice and for whom sex working is not necessarily a temporary arrangement they seek to exit.
Adult Services Websites - Some advertise other services and goods for sale which are non-sexual but others are dedicated to running adverts for sexual services.
Modern Slavery - This is where a person is controlled by another for profit by exploiting a vulnerability. The victim might be forced to work or is sexually exploited, and the controller/exploiter keeps all or nearly all the money. The control can be physical (violence or threat of violence to themselves, family/friends), financial (debt bondage) or psychological (degradation, deprivation of freedom, controlled through fear/immigration status).
Sexual Exploitation - Vulnerable people, overwhelmingly women and girls, are tricked or forced into the sex trade. It can often begin with a promise of work in the hospitality industry or modelling, or a 'boyfriend' can be responsible. They can be trafficked into/around the UK by another for the purposes of performing sexual acts against their will. Sexual services might be required as payment for rent. Sexual exploitation includes rape, prostitution, sexual photography, subjection to pornography, sexual assault, or sexual acts to which the adult has not consented or was pressured into consenting.

The following organisations are here to support any person selling sex. Please get in touch.

Local services

iCash - Offering contraception, treatment for sexually transmitted infections, HIV care and treatment or related advice in Suffolk.
www.icash.nhs.uk
0300 300 3030

The Ferns - Offering help for those who have been raped or sexually assaulted in Suffolk.
www.theferns-suffolk.org.uk
0300 123 5058
contact@theferns-suffolk.org.uk

The Terrence Higgins Trust - HIV and sexual health services based in Ipswich but serving the Suffolk area.
www.tht.org.uk
Based at: 10-12 Orwell Place, Ipswich IP4 1BB

Suffolk Domestic Abuse Helpline - Support, advice and action on domestic abuse in Suffolk.
www.suffolkdahelpline.org.uk
Free helpline: 0800 977 5690

Phoebe Centre - Specialist advice, information, casework, advocacy and support and counselling services to black and ethnic minority women and children.
www.phoebecentre.org.uk
01473 760966
info@phoebecentre.org.uk

Suffolk Police - You can report a crime online, call 101, or if you are in any immediate danger you should contact the Police on 999
www.suffolk.police.uk

National Services

Beyond the streets - Working with women involved in the UK sex industry. Helping to keep women safe from coercion, violence and abuse.
beyondthestreets.org.uk
0800 133 7870
support@beyondthestreets.org.uk

Ugly Mugs - A UK-wide charity working with sex workers to do research, design and deliver safety tools and to provide support services to people in adult industries.
nationaluglymugs.org
0800 464 7669
admin@nationaluglymugs.org

Unseen - Unseen is a UK charity providing safehouses and support in the community for survivors of trafficking and modern slavery.
unseenuk.org
08000 121 700 (24 hour helpline)

Umbrella Project

Top tips for keeping safe

Understanding common terms

The following organisations are here to support any person selling sex. Please get in touch.

Local services

National Services