Sex workers evaluate reporting violence
This study, called 'SWERV!', aims to understand if services provided by National Ugly Mugs (NUM) help sex workers stay safer and improve their mental well-being. NUM offers various tools, like alerts about dangerous people and support for those who have experienced violence. Researchers are working closely with sex workers to see how these services impact their lives. Some sex workers will fill out questionnaires about their experiences and mental health over six months. The study will compare those who use NUM services with those who don't. The goal is to find out what works best to prevent violence and support sex workers, and how these services can be made even better.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research project, called 'Sex Workers Evaluate Reporting Violence' (SWERV!), wants to understand how services designed for and by sex workers help prevent violence and support those who have experienced it. We know that many sex workers face violence and often struggle with their mental health, and they don't always get the help they need. For example, studies in London have shown that a significant number of sex workers experience attacks from clients, partners, and even police, and many suffer from anxiety or depression.
A UK charity called National Ugly Mugs (NUM) collects reports of violence and other crimes against sex workers. They then use this information to create alerts, which are sent out by text and email to sex workers and organisations involved with them. This helps make people aware of potential dangers. NUM also has a 'NUMchecker' tool which allows sex workers to check potential clients using their contact details. Beyond prevention, NUM offers support to survivors of violence, including help with mental health, drug problems, and accessing other services. If a survivor wants to report an incident to the police, NUM can also help with that.
The SWERV! project is specifically looking at how these NUM services affect the safety and mental health of sex workers. A key part of this study is that sex workers themselves are actively involved in designing and carrying out the research. This means their experiences and insights are central to understanding what works and why. The information gathered will be used to make recommendations on how to improve community-based violence prevention and survivor support for sex workers across the UK.
Key takeaways
- The study looks at how National Ugly Mugs helps sex workers.
- It aims to make violence prevention and support better for sex workers.
- Sex workers are involved in planning and carrying out the research.
- You would fill out two questionnaires over six months.
- The study hopes to improve safety and mental health support.
- Support services are available if discussing topics becomes upsetting.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you need to be 18 years old or older. You should also have been involved in sex work sometime in the last six months, specifically in a city like London, Manchester, or Glasgow, and giving in-person sexual services.
We are particularly looking for people who have just joined National Ugly Mugs (NUM) within the last week, and who mainly work indoors. You'll also need to be able to give your clear agreement to take part in the study.
Unfortunately, if you are under 18, currently in secure services, or unable to understand and agree to participate, you won't be able to join this study. Also, if you haven't been involved in in-person sex work recently, you won't be eligible.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Have you been involved in in-person sex work in a city in the last 6 months?
- Have you joined National Ugly Mugs (NUM) within the last 7 days?
- Do you mainly work indoors in sex work?
- Can you clearly understand and agree to take part in the study?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire twice. The first questionnaire will be filled out when you join the study, and then you'll complete it again six months later. This questionnaire will ask you about your experiences with violence, how you keep safe, and your mental health. The study will then compare the experiences of sex workers who use NUM's alerts and 'NUMchecker' with those who don't. This will help the researchers understand how NUM's services affect safety and mental well-being. There are no other visits or medication involved, and your total participation would involve these two questionnaires over a six-month period. Some parts of the full study also involve interviews with sex workers and service providers, but the main part you would be involved in is these questionnaires.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- National Ugly MugsCity onlyManchester, England
Common questions
What is National Ugly Mugs (NUM)?
NUM is a UK charity that helps prevent violence against sex workers and supports those who have experienced harm, providing alerts and other services.
What will I have to do if I join the study?
You will answer a questionnaire twice – once when you start and again six months later – about your safety, mental health, and experiences.
Will my information be kept private?
The study aims to keep all participant information confidential, and sex workers are deeply involved in how the research is designed and carried out.
Who is running this study?
The study is being run by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, National Ugly Mugs, and Brunel University.
When does the study take place?
The study started in December 2023 and is expected to finish in December 2026.
How to find out more
Lucy Platt
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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