Sex Work

Data is limited on the number of post-secondary students engaging in sex work. What’s clear is that it is a reality on campuses. Internationally, it is estimated that between 2–7% of students engage in some type of sex work, mostly for financial reasons and because it offers flexibility (Ernst et al., 2021). However, sex work can be dangerous if students are faced with few other options to support themselves financially (otherwise known as ’survival sex’). Student debt can play an important role in maintaining this pressure. Students are also at risk of exploitation and trafficking when they enter the sex work industry, especially international students (Brown & Buckner, 2021). Other demographics that are overrepresented in sex work are 2SLGBTQIA+ people and Indigenous people (Benoit & Shumka, 2021; CPHA, 2014).

Specific risks of sex work can include:

• Transmission of STBBIs
• Unwanted pregnancy
• Human trafficking
• Stalking
• Gender Based Violence
• Criminalization

Students may have a hard time disclosing if they are engaging in sex work due to stigma and discrimination. When using a harm reduction approach, it is important to include student sex work as a part of service design and delivery.

Recommendations

Just as with other potentially risky behaviours and substance use, student support should focus less on what the student does, and more on the reason why. Educating students on the risks associated with sex work and providing access to harm reduction services are essential (Rekart, 2005).

It is crucial for conversation and supports to be non-judgemental and non-ideological, where the primary focus is on the needs of the student and not diverging them from their choices.

Sex Work and Harm Reduction Discourse: A Reflection provides nuanced discussions on whether harm reduction is the right framework to be used when it comes to sex work. It is a great resource for anyone who may want to understand where sex work organizations position themselves when it comes to harm reduction frameworks.

Some harm reduction practices associated with sex work are as follows (Rekart, 2005):

• Working with people who are trusted or with friends
• Using contraception and other safe sex practices diligently and not relying on customers to provide condoms, lube, etc.
• Learning self-defence such as knowing which areas of the body to attack
• Ensuring anonymity in virtual or in person settings by making sure there is no identifiable
  information available when offering services
• Sticking to a set price and time frame of the service
• Wear comfortable shoes that are appropriate for running
• Screening clients whenever possible for name, references, and other information

You can find more about these strategies in the resources below, as well as some ways to support students specifically in terms of sex work.