Violence – Protecting yourself and getting help

There is one key rule for sex workers: negotiate with clients beforehand about what is going to happen and what is not allowed. If you say no to something, it means no.  

SEX WORKERS ARE NOT FAIR GAME.

Just like every other person, you have the right to bodily integrity If you are forced into sex by means of either violence or threat, according to the Penal Code, this constitutes sexual assault, sexual coercion or even rape (§ 177). All forms of physical and psychological violence are violations of the law, which the state will prosecute and punish.

You are relatively safe from violence in brothels or similar businesses, because you will not be alone there. In addition, these premises tend to have security measures in place, such as security staff at the door, alarm systems, and video cameras. Wherever you work, the important thing is for you to know how to protect yourself from (sexual) violence and to know what to do if you experience violence. Here are some tips: 

  • If you come across as confident as you can, then you will be less vulnerable.
  • If you are afraid, try not to show it. Try to get out of the situation as quickly as possible. 
  • You should try to keep a cool, clear head. If you are in withdrawal or under the influence of drugs, it will be very difficult for you to stay in control of the situation.

  • Do not wear anything that could be used to choke you (e.g. chains, scarves) or anything that could prevent you from running away (long narrow skirts, high-heeled shoes).
  • If you wear a jacket, keep it either fully open or fully closed. Otherwise, an attacker could pull it up over your shoulders, preventing you from moving your arms.

  • Stick to well-lit places so that you can see everything. Stay as close as possible to people you know and who you can trust. Go to them if you feel unsafe.
  • Take a good look at anyone who wants to take you with them before proceeding. Talk to them about where they want to go and what they want to do there. If you feel uneasy about someone, turn them down.
  • Before you get into a car, make a note of the license plate and brand of the car (or even better, write it down). Tell your friends or colleagues where you are going.

  • Take notice of how to get back to exit points and apartment doors. Look around for other potential escape routes.
  • If it is a two-door car, it is best to stay in the front seat. Check whether the car door can be opened from the inside. It is best to leave the car door slightly open while you are working.
  • Leave your clothes/possessions on, so you will not lose anything if you have to run away quickly. Make sure you keep your bag within arm’s reach.
  • Do not put the money that the client gives you with the rest of your cash. If a person wants to rob you, there is a better chance that you will not lose all your money.
  • Make sure you keep sight of your client at all times – particularly their hands. Avoid compromising positions, e.g. between a client’s legs, or beneath them. If you are lying on top, you can get a better view of their face and hands.

  • To defend yourself, you can keep hairspray, mosquito spray or lemon extract in a spray bottle. Tear gas or weapons (e.g. knives) can be dangerous for you if they are used against you.
  • If clients turn rough or violent, then punch, kick or bite them wherever possible, particularly in vulnerable areas: neck, nose, eyes, chin, or between the legs. You can also gouge their eyes using two outstretched fingers.
  • If you feel threatened and there are other people nearby, then shout “Feuer!” (fire!) as loud as you can: people generally react more to this rather than to cries of “help”.
  • Run away as fast as you can: run towards oncoming traffic, into better-lit areas and towards people.
  • Call the police – phone number: 110.

STAY ALERT AND LISTEN TO YOUR GUT INSTINCT. IF YOU HAVE THE FEELING THAT SOMETHING MIGHT BE DANGEROUS, TAKE YOUR BUSINESS ELSEWHERE!

IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE TO BE A VIOLENT PERSON, INFORM YOUR COLLEAGUES!

What do I do after experiencing violence?

If anything has happened to you, call the police (phone number 110). You can either make a report straight away or at a later date.

Write down everything that happened as accurately as you can: when and where it happened (date, time, location), what was done to you, how many people were involved, and any details/features which could be used to identify the perpetrators. You could talk through everything out loud and record it on your phone (dictation function/audio recorder). These types of records can be used as evidence if you make a complaint.

If you have reservations about reporting the crime (e.g. you do not have a clear residency status in Germany), you can seek out advice first, for example from a project for sex workers or at a migrant counselling centre. These institutions also provide assistance to people who are forced into prostitution, e.g. victims of human trafficking. You can also call as a friend or colleague (without giving your name and address) and inform the relevant staff: they can then contact the people in need and work out with them what next steps to take. The Hilfetelefon „Gewalt gegen Frauen“ (“Violence against Women” hot-line), which is available free-of-charge by calling 08000 116 016, also provides counselling and confidential support to sex workers who have experienced violence, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity, anonymously and in different languages.

You should go see a doctor or go to a hospital as soon as possible, so that your body and clothes can be examined for evidence, e.g. for traces of sperm or blood. This evidence can be used as part of a complaint, even if you decide to make a report at a later date. In cases of sexual violence, such as rape, there may also be a risk of infection. It may also be of benefit to take HIV-PEP  – another reason why it is important for you to act quickly.

ONE THING IS CLEAR: YOU ARE NOT TO BLAME.

Make sure you are not alone and get support from people you trust: from friends, colleagues, or co-workers from projects that can support people in your situation.