Reviewing the occupational risks of sex workers in comparison to other ‘risky’ professions: mental ill-health, violence and murder. (360G-Wellcome-201445_A_16_Z)

Bringing together social scientists, epidemiologists and health practitioners, this project aims to understand how occupational health and safety differs between sex workers and other professions which are established as ‘risky’ because of the elevated prevalence of violence in the workplace and poor mental health. Through literature reviews and evidence scoping, we will examine and synthesize data on the occupational risks of sex workers (female, male and transgender) across street and indoor workplaces in comparison to ‘risky’ professions as categorised by the occupational literature, focusing on three key areas: mental ill-health, violence and murder. We will analyse routine data gathered by our research partners National Ugly Mugs, to better understand the risk, forms and circumstances of murders and violence committed against sex workers in the UK, and integrate these analyses with the literature review findings. This knowledge will expand our understanding of the role of the workplace in shaping and protecting against risk, and our capacity to develop policies and practices that address specific occupational health inequalities faced by sex workers. Our dissemination plans will establish a network of multidisciplinary researchers and practitioners to develop research projects and impact activities to improve the health and safety of sex workers.