About Sex Work | New Hampshire Harm Reduction Coalition

Learn More About Sex Work

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A. Sex work is the exchange of sexual services (sex, erotic dancing, pornography, etc.) for money or something of value. Sex workers have different reasons for doing sex work. Some choose sex work among other well paying jobs and some are in circumstances that lead them to sex work even if it is not their first choice for earning income. Some individuals are forced and/or coerced into sex work — this is human trafficking, a crime that occurs across many labor sectors.

Each state has different laws regulating sex work. Most states have a number of laws prohibiting prostitution. To make it more confusing, each jurisdiction has a different exact definition of what activities count as prostitution. In some states, BDSM, fetish, and other types of sexual play are explicitly included in definitions of prostitution, whereas in other states, they are not considered to be “sexual conduct” as defined by prostitution laws.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “SEX WORK” AND “PROSTITUTION”? A. Sex work includes the entire field of sexual services, both legal and illegal, including pornography, exotic dancing, fetish work, web-based work, and prostitution. Prostitution is the kind of sex work most often criminalized, and it is the direct, in-person exchange of sex for money or other things of value.

WILL DECRIMINALIZING SEX WORK LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING? A. No. Too often, laws and lawmakers conflate human trafficking with consensual adult sex work. Human trafficking is when an individual or group uses force, fraud, or coercion to compel another into some kind of labor, including commercial sex acts. Human trafficking is an egregious abuse of human rights and a critical public health issue. Sex work is when adults choose to offer sexual services in exchange for something of value, usually money.

Prostitution and anti-trafficking laws make it impossible for victims and witnesses to report exploitation without risking prosecution. When innocent people are arrested and prosecuted, victims face barriers to services, and exploitation proliferates in the black market.
Where sex work has been decriminalized, human trafficking in the sex industry has decreased.

WHY IS THE ENTRAPMENT MODEL, A.K.A. THE NORDIC MODEL, END DEMAND MODEL, SWEDISH MODEL AND EQUALITY MODEL A BAD POLICY? A. The Entrapment Model refers to the theory that criminalizing clients and third parties (e.g., managers) will reduce demand in the sex trade, thereby “freeing” sex workers, who are often seen as victims. This framework has vocal proponents among certain prohibitionist feminists, but its impact has been devastating where it has been implemented. Unambiguous data shows a clear correlation between laws that criminalize clients and an increase in violence against sex workers, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and exploitation within the sex trade. While the Entrapment Model may seem enticing in theory, it’s impossible to create a safe environment for sex workers and their clients when one side of the transaction is criminalized.

IS POLICING SEX WORK EFFECTIVE AT STOPPING PROSTITUTION, PREVENTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING, REDUCING STIS, AND MAKING SOCIETY SAFER? A. No. Tens of thousands of people are arrested annually in the United States for prostitution and related charges. The majority of those arrested are adults who engage in consensual, victimless activities. Where sex work is decriminalized, law enforcement is able to focus resources on prosecuting human trafficking and other violent crimes.

ARE PROSTITUTION LAWS RACIALLY ENFORCED? A. Across the United States, people of color are targeted by police more often than white people for low-level crimes such as drug possession. The same is true for sex work. Women of color are especially targeted, harassed, and arrested for prostitution crimes at much higher rates than their white counterparts.

WOULD DECRIMINALIZATION LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN STIS? A. Numerous public health agencies have stated that decriminalizing prostitution is one of the most important policy shifts necessary to prevent HIV and STI infections.
Where sex work is illegal, those involved are more likely to engage in riskier behaviors. Sex workers are less likely to refuse to have condomless sex. Law enforcement often use condoms in a wallet as evidence of prostitution, preventing some people from wanting to carry them in large numbers, even from the store to home. Also, as stigma is reduced, condom usage is known to increase.

Safer Sex Work Tips

A pink water bottle over an orange background.

STAY HYDRATED!

Drink plenty of water to avoid irritation of gums, lips, and throat. Hydration also helps flush bacteria and germs acquired from sex.

A dropper full of oil in front of a yellow background.

STAY LUBRICATED!

Lubrication helps prevent irritation, and reduce risk of infection. Use lots of it. Be sure lube is latex, rubber, and plastic-friendly if you are using condoms or toys.

A bunch of silver condoms over a bright blue background.

PROTECT YOURSELF!

Always use a protection. Using a condom significantly reduces the risk of STI transmission. Be sure any open cuts or infections on your body are also covered.

A pair of white sneakers in the corner of a square picture. The background is bubble gum pink.

DRESS PRACTICALLY!

Wear comfortable shoes that allow you to run if needed and clothing that doesn't have to be removed for sex. Avoid jewelry, particularly necklaces and earrings if possible.

A black fanny pack, a bottle of blue hand sanitizer, golden condoms, a small brown glass bottle of lube.

CUM PREPARED!

Carry a small essentials kit that includes condoms, lube, hand sanitizer, and napkins. You can also use this kit for storing your clothes when you are with a client.

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YOU ARE IN CONTROL!

Pick a safe location. Let someone know where you are. State clear limits. Stay focused on client behavior. Keep lights on. Avoid drug use before & during intercourse. Know your escape. You can always say no.

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GET TESTED FOR STI'S REGULARLY!

The sooner it is identified, the easier it will be to treat.

Find out where you can get an HIV test in NH below.

Learn More At

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