Safety Advice

Encompass Safety Planning Document (opens new window)

Selling or exchanging sex by any means will always involve risk. The following general advice here is to help raise your awareness to potential issues you could face and aid your safety planning.

General Safety

• Always tell someone when you are going out to be involved in prostitution, where you're going and when you expect to be back.
• Whether its an out call or an in call
• Carry a mobile phone and ensure it is charged. You can programme most phones to dial a number at the press of a button. Make this number the police or a trusted friend so you can get help quickly.
• Carry a personal alarm and keep it handy—if you don't have one you can pick one up from Routes Out
• Alcohol or Drugs? These can really affect your ability to recognize and manage risky situations quickly. Be aware that you are more at risk when you are under the influence. Punters are also more risky/unpredictable if they have been drinking or using drugs. Be aware of this when assessing whether to go ahead.
• Always get the money first and put it away separately from your other money. This way, if a punter does try to rob you he will not find all your money and you can at least save some of it.
• Be firm when negotiating services with a punter. Be firm with your boundaries about what you will and will not do.
• Know the area you are in
• Use condoms at all times, including for oral sex.
• Don't carry a weapon - it could be used against you.
• REMEMBER...Doubt means DON'T. Trust your gut. If something doesn't feel right about a punter or a meeting place then listen to yourself, trust yourself and remember you right to cancel