Exit site quickly
Change of financial situation
Change of appearance
Multiple phones, phone going off constantly
Sleeping later than usual, change in day/night routine
More distant than usual
Coming and going at the same time each day
Moving around the country
Increased drug & alcohol use
Alluding but not naming
Ask the question in a curious and open way: “Are you using sex to make money or in exchange for housing, food and/or other resources?”
If she says no, respect her response. Stigma and fear of legal repercussions can make it hard for women to disclose if they are selling sex. Keep the dialogue open and build trust by letting her know that if she ever finds herself in that situation, you are there to listen without judgement.
If she says yes, ask how you can best support her. Offer to review these safety tips and let her know that you are there to listen. You can refer her to our team by contacting us here.
Re-refer to these steps at each support plan and risk assessment. Keep lines of communication open with active and known workers.
For more help or advice, Lunar will provide training for organisations in recognising and supporting people engaged in selling or exchanging sex. Lunar also provides training around consent awareness, sex education, and healthy relationships; suitable for schools, universities and other services.