Sex Work Law: Rights, Risks, and Real-World Guidance for Workers

When it comes to sex work law, the legal framework governing the exchange of sexual services for money. Also known as prostitution law, it varies wildly by country, state, and even city—often targeting workers instead of clients, and making safety harder to achieve. In the UK, while selling sex isn’t illegal, many activities around it—like soliciting in public, kerb crawling, or running a brothel—are criminalized. This creates a dangerous gap: workers are pushed into isolation, forced to screen clients quickly, and afraid to report violence for fear of arrest.

That’s why solicitation laws, rules that define what counts as offering or seeking sexual services. Also known as prostitution offenses, it’s often these laws that put sex workers at the greatest risk. A simple conversation on the street, a text message, or even a posted ad can be twisted into evidence of a crime—even if no exchange happened. Meanwhile, legal aid for sex workers, free or low-cost legal support tailored to the unique challenges faced by those in the industry. Also known as sex worker legal services, it’s hard to find and even harder to trust. Many lawyers won’t take these cases, or worse, report clients to police. That’s why organizations offering confidential, non-judgmental help are lifelines.

And it’s not just about arrests. decriminalization, the movement to remove criminal penalties for consensual adult sex work. Also known as sex work reform, it’s not about legalizing brothels—it’s about letting workers control their own safety. Countries like New Zealand and parts of Australia have shown that when sex work is treated as work, violence drops, health access improves, and workers can report abuse without fear. Here in the UK, the fight is ongoing, and the stakes are life-or-death.

What you’ll find below aren’t abstract theories or political debates. These are real, practical guides written by and for people living under these laws. From how to handle a police stop without escalating danger, to where to find lawyers who won’t turn you in, to how to use QR codes and discreet alarms to stay safe indoors or on the street—every post here is built from experience. No fluff. No judgment. Just what works when the law is stacked against you.