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The influence of time to negotiate on control in sex worker-client interactions
Abstract and Figures
Study looks at the importance of time in giving sex workers control when negotiating transactions with clients. The authors also reflect on the likely negative outcomes of the new legal provisions in Canada for both sex workers and clients that will widen the net of criminal sanctions to include everyone who purchases or communicates in order to obtain sexual services as well as everyone who knowingly advertises an offer to provide sexual services.
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... In fact, several researchers have recently noted that information and communication technologies such as cell phones, websites, and dating/hookup apps allow sex workers (SWs) to specify, ahead of time, the parameters of the encounter including services and condom use to try to ensure their sexual health (Argento et al., 2018;Atchison et al., 2015;Bernier et al., 2021). However, few published studies have examined what male sex workers want to be sure has been agreed upon beforehand with the client and what information they want to have about the client prior to the encounter. ...
... A mixed-methods study conducted in Canada with sex workers of unspecified gender found that those who advertised in newspapers or online were more likely to "communicate extensively" with potential clients before meeting them in person than those SWs whose first interaction was face to face (e.g., worked in the street, bars/clubs, hotels/motels) (Atchison et al., 2015). Additionally, they more frequently reported feeling empowered to set the terms and conditions of the exchange and to have greater control over condom use. ...
... Clients reported appreciating the opportunity to "discuss the terms of service" prior to meeting. Both the sex workers and clients felt they benefited from the clarity around boundaries and expectations, which reduced the possibility of misunderstanding or conflict (Atchison et al., 2015). ...
Men who have sex with men (MSM) and engage in sex work (MSW) frequently meet clients through dating/hookup apps. This provides an opportunity to discuss the parameters of the exchange prior to meeting and to learn things about the prospective client and the risks he might pose. Limited research has examined the specific issues or topics MSWs discuss with clients before agreeing to meet. We analyzed interview data from a sample of 180 MSWs from eight U.S. cities who engaged in exchange sex with clients they had primarily met through dating/hookup apps and websites. Participants typically asked about clients' sexual interests and expectations regarding what will transpire when they meet to make sure they were compatible with their own boundaries and limitations. Most participants inquired about clients' sexual health and often discussed condom use. Assertiveness and communication skills training might help MSWs negotiate encounters with clients that promote health and safety.
... The capacity to advertise via the Internet continues to contribute to the shifting dynamics in adult commercial sex work [1,2] creating unprecedented opportunities for sex workers to determine how they will conduct business and allowing for greater control over their work [3]. Health-related benefits associated with Internet-based sex work, defined as the use of Internet by adults to facilitate consensual exchange of sexual services for money, include increased income, autonomy, and safety when compared with street-level sex work or working for a third party [1, [4][5][6]. Internet-based sex workers can also, however, experience depression, isolation, violence, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and substantial barriers in accessing and receiving health services [2,[7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. ...
... Women list more safety communications overall and do so by communicating restrictions, particularly about place and substance use. Women also use personalized screening processes involving live phone communications to determine the suitability of the client [5]. Men and transpersons communicate minimal safety details. ...
... The need for greater knowledge and skills in the areas of safe and effective Internet advertising strategies, attracting and screening appropriate clients, addressing legal concerns, and financial planning-an important aspect of transitioning out of the industry have been identified [44,60]. Given the evidence of increased autonomy and independence associated with Internet-based sex work [4][5][6], there is perhaps an opportunity for health programming to capitalize on the benefits of autonomy and control in sex workers' choice to communicate explicit Web-based restrictions, and to promote and expand self-health in the sex industry as a highly desirable and marketable characteristic. ...
Background
The capacity to advertise via the Internet continues to contribute to the shifting dynamics in adult commercial sex work. eHealth interventions have shown promise to promote Internet-based sex workers’ health and safety internationally, yet minimal attention has been paid in Canada to developing such interventions. Understanding the information communicated in Internet-based sex work advertisements is a critical step in knowledge development to inform such interventions.
Objective
The purpose of this content analysis was to increase our understanding of the health and safety information within the Internet advertisements among women, men, and transgender sex workers and to describe how this information may be utilized to inform eHealth service development for this population.
Methods
A total of 75 Internet-based sex worker advertisements (45 women, 24 men, and 6 transgender persons) were purposefully selected from 226 advertisements collected as part of a larger study in Western Canada. Content analysis was employed to guide data extraction about demographic characteristics, sexual services provided, service restrictions, health practices and concerns, safety and security, and business practices. Frequencies for each variable were calculated and further classified by gender. Thematic analysis was then undertaken to situate the communications within the social and commercialized contexts of the sex industry.
Results
Four communications themes were identified: (1) demographic characteristics; (2) sexual services; (3) health; and (4) safety and security. White was the most common ethnicity (46/75, 61%) of advertisements. It was found that 20-29 years of age accounted for 32 of the 51 advertisements that provided age. Escort, the only legal business title, was the most common role title used (48/75, 64%). In total, 85% (64/75) of advertisements detailed lists of sexual services provided and 41% (31/75) of advertisements noted never offering uncovered services (ie, no condom). Gender and the type of Web-based platform mattered for information communicated. It was found that 35 of the 45 women’s advertisements were situated in personal websites and hosted details about nonsexual aspects of an appointment. Men and transworkers used Internet classified advertisement platforms with predetermined categories. Communications about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occurred in only 16% (12/75) of advertisements with men accounting for 7. Women’s advertisements accounted for 26 of the 37 advertisements noting safety restrictions. Zero men or transpersons restricted alcohol or drug use. In total, 75% (56/75) of advertisements offered out-call services and the average minimal hourly rate ranged from Can 200/h.
Conclusions
The study findings contribute to understandings about the diverse platforms used in commercial sex advertisements, and how sex workers frame information for potential clients. This information affords health care providers and policy makers insights to how they might assist with promoting the health of Internet-based sex workers and their clients.
... Prior research indicates use of online services prior to meeting clients in person affords access to OHS mechanisms. 10 Benefits linked to online solicitation include: reduced female homicide rates 11 ; increased feelings of control by workers 10 ; flexibility with work schedules 10 12 ; reduced stigma 1 13 ; and increased empowerment at work, through risk management and information sharing. 10 13 14 Prior research examined population-level records (eg, crime rates), publicly available online sex work advertising (eg, ad content analysis), qualitative interviews and online surveys. ...
... 34 In the Rhode Island study, mentioned above, decriminalisation of indoor sex work resulted in improved OHS. 29 Use of online services provides access to safety mechanisms afforded by communication prior to meeting clients in person. 10 An analysis on effects of Craigslist's 'erotic services' (ERS) section (used almost exclusively by SWs), which expanded from 2002 to 2010 before being shut down, concluded that ERS reduced female homicide rates 10%-17% by reducing street-based sex work and SWs screening out the most dangerous perpetrators posing as clients. 11 Communication begins with advertising, Table 4 Bivariate and multivariable generalised estimating equations confounder analysis of the association between primarily soliciting sex work online and physical/sexual occupational violence among women sex workers (N=942) in Metro Vancouver (2010-2019) Workplace which provides 'terms and conditions': parameters of services; workers' boundaries, restrictions and expectations (eg, condom use); and rates. ...
Objectives
Examine the independent association between online solicitation and sex workers’ (SWs’) occupational health and safety (OHS), particularly violence and work stress.
Methods
Data were drawn from a cohort of women SWs (N=942, 2010–2019) in Vancouver, Canada. Analyses used descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariable logistic and linear regression using generalised estimating equations (GEE); explanatory and confounder modelling approaches were used.
Results
33.9% (n=319) of participants solicited online and 14.1% (n=133) primarily solicited online in the last 6 months in at least one study visit. In multivariable GEE analysis, factors associated with primarily soliciting online included younger age (adjusted OR (AOR) 0.95 per year older, 95% CI 0.93 to 0.97), sexual minority status (AOR 2.57, 95% CI 1.61 to 4.10), gender minority status (AOR 3.09, 95% CI 1.80 to 5.28), higher education (AOR 2.13, 95% CI 1.34 to 3.40), higher sex work income (AOR 1.03 per $100 weekly, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.06), being an im/migrant to Canada (AOR 2.40, 95% CI 1.26 to 4.58) and primarily servicing in informal indoor workspaces (AOR 3.47, 95% CI 2.32 to 5.20). In separate GEE confounder models, primarily soliciting online significantly (1) reduced odds of physical/sexual workplace violence (AOR 0.64, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.06) and (2) reduced work stress (β coefficient −0.93, 95% CI −1.59 to −0.26).
Discussion/conclusions
Younger workers, gender/sexual minorities, im/migrants and those in informal indoor spaces had higher odds of soliciting online. Confounder models indicate access to online solicitation methods may support enhanced OHS. Decriminalisation of sex work—including advertising via online platforms—remains necessary to support SWs’ OHS.
... Atchison's (2010) survey of 861male clients of FSW revealed similar results: 43% of sex buyers had not received purchased services, 20% had been robbed by a FSW, 19% had been verbally abused, 14% had money or property stolen, and 5% had been assaulted. Notwithstanding comparatively higher risks of violence experienced by FSW, these findings suggest that interpersonal violence is not one-directional in commercial sex transactions, but rather relational and contextual (Langhinrichsen-Rohling 2010; Atchison et al. 2015). ...
... In addition to reporting violence against FSW, male bar patrons reported being robbed, physically hurt, drugged and extorted by FSW. Compared to Atchison's (2010) survey of North American clients cited earlier, Kibera male clients' reported higher levels of being robbed (36% vs. 20%) and assaulted Atchison et al. 2015). Subsequent multivariate log-linear analysis found significant interactions between drinking with FSW in Kibera bars and commercial sex, and drinking with FSW and interpersonal violence, regardless of who initiated violence. ...
... However, it was a surprise to find that this was not the case for trans female advertisers who historically have been subject to greater violence than other sex workers [55][56][57]. Condom refusal can be reduced when workers advertise online [20,58,59] and, while less common than other themes, the prevalence of the service restrictions theme increased over time. ...
With the migration of sex workers to online advertising in Canada, a substantial body of research has emerged on how they communicate with prospective clients. However, given the enormous quantity of archival material available, finding representative ways to identify what sex workers say is a difficult task. Numerical analysis of commonly used phrases allows for the analysis of large numbers of documents potentially identifying themes that may be missed using other techniques. This study considers how Canadian sex workers communicate by examining how the word “no” was used by online advertisers over a 15-year period. Source materials consisted of three collections of online classified advertising containing over 4.2 million ads collected between 2007 and 2022 representing 214456 advertisers. Advertisers and demographic variables were extracted from ad metadata. Common terms surrounding the word “no” were used to identify themes. The word “no” was used by 115127 advertisers. Five major themes were identified: client reassurance (54084 advertisers), communication (47130 advertisers), client race (32612 advertisers), client behavior (23863 advertisers), and service restrictions (8545 advertisers). The probability of there being an association between an advertiser and a major theme was found to vary in response to several variables, including: time period, region, advertiser gender, and advertiser ethnicity. Results are compared with previous work on race and risk messaging in sex work advertising and factors influencing client race restrictions are considered. Over time, the restriction related themes of client behavior, service restrictions, and client race became more prominent. Collectives, multi-regional, cis-female, and Black or Mixed ancestry advertisers were more likely to use restrictions.
We evaluate the Canadian parliamentary hearings on The Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act to determine whether respectful and fair deliberation occurred. Our focus is on the content, tone, and nature of each question posed by committee members in hearings in both chambers. We find that, on the whole, the vast majority of questions met this baseline but that committee members were biased toward witnesses in agreement with their position and against witnesses in opposition to it. In addition to our substantive findings, we contribute methodological insights, including a coding scheme, for this kind of qualitative text analysis.
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