Understanding Sex Work in Brighton

Brighton, known for its vibrant and diverse culture, has a visible sex work industry, particularly in certain areas. This article provides factual information about the context, legal framework, safety considerations, and support services related to sex work in Brighton. It aims to address common questions while emphasizing harm reduction, safety, and the complex realities faced by sex workers.

What is the legal status of sex work in Brighton?

Sex work itself (the exchange of sexual services for money between consenting adults) is not illegal in England and Wales, including Brighton. However, many surrounding activities are criminalized. Soliciting (offering services) in a public place, kerb crawling (seeking services from a public place), operating or working in a brothel (where more than one person works), pimping (controlling for gain), and trafficking are all offences. Brighton & Hove City Council often takes a harm reduction approach, focusing on support services rather than solely enforcement, particularly for street-based sex work in known areas.

What laws specifically impact street-based sex work in Brighton?

The Policing and Crime Act 2009 introduced “Orders for the Protection from Sexual Harm” (now Sexual Harm Prevention Orders) which can be used against individuals soliciting or purchasing sex. Enforcement tends to be higher in residential areas compared to the traditional street sex work zones, where outreach services are more active. Police often prioritize targeting exploitation and trafficking over prosecuting individual sex workers.

How does the law affect indoor or online sex work?

Indoor sex work (e.g., working alone from home or in a hotel) carries fewer legal risks for the worker *if* they operate alone. Advertising services online is legal. The main legal vulnerability for indoor workers arises if they work with others, constituting a “brothel,” which is illegal. Purchasing sex from someone who has been trafficked or coerced is also illegal under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Where does street sex work typically occur in Brighton?

The primary area historically associated with street-based sex work in Brighton is the Lower Hollingdean Road / Hollingbury Road area, near the industrial estate. This location has been the focus of both police monitoring and outreach support services for many years. Sex work can occur elsewhere, but this remains the most concentrated area.

Are there specific safety concerns in these areas?

Yes. Street-based work carries inherent risks including violence from clients, robbery, sexual assault, and vulnerability to exploitation. Poor lighting, secluded spots, and lack of immediate support increase these dangers. Outreach teams work in these areas to provide support and safety resources.

Is street sex work declining in Brighton?

Like many cities, there’s been a significant shift towards online platforms (adult directories, social media apps) for arranging sex work in Brighton. This offers workers more control over client screening and location but comes with different risks (online scams, difficulty verifying client identities). Street-based work still exists but potentially on a smaller scale than historically.

What support services are available for sex workers in Brighton?

Several organizations provide crucial non-judgmental support:

• Clare Project / Clare Outreach: A key local charity offering outreach, advocacy, support groups, drop-ins, sexual health services, and harm reduction advice specifically for sex workers in Brighton & Hove.
• Sussex Police & Brighton & Hove City Council Vulnerability Team: Have dedicated officers and workers focusing on sex worker safety, exploitation, and harm reduction, often working closely with outreach services.
• Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) Brighton: Provides sexual health testing, advice, and support, including targeted services for sex workers.
• National Ugly Mugs (NUM): A vital UK-wide scheme allowing sex workers to anonymously report violent or dangerous clients and receive alerts. Widely used in Brighton.

What kind of help do these services offer?

Services typically include: safety planning and advice (including using NUM), condoms and lubricant, sexual health testing and treatment, support for substance misuse issues, advocacy with police or other agencies, housing support, emotional support, exit strategies for those wanting to leave sex work, and help accessing benefits or other services.

Can sex workers report crimes safely?

Reporting crimes can be challenging due to fear of stigma, distrust of authorities, or concerns about revealing involvement in sex work. The “Ugly Mugs” scheme through NUM allows anonymous reporting to warn others. Clare Project and the Police Vulnerability Team aim to create safer reporting routes, emphasizing that sex workers have the right to protection regardless of their work.

How can sex workers stay safe in Brighton?

Safety is paramount. Common harm reduction strategies include:

• Client Screening: Using platforms that allow reviews or references, checking NUM alerts, trusting instincts.
• Working Indoors: Generally safer than street-based work. Informing someone of location/client details.
• Using Safer Locations: Avoiding isolated spots, ensuring access to exits.
• Safer Sex Practices: Consistent condom/barrier use.
• Utilizing Support Networks: Engaging with Clare Project, NUM, and peer support.
• Avoiding Working Alone: While legally complex, having security nearby or working with a trusted colleague (understanding the brothel law risk).

What are the key health considerations?

Regular sexual health screenings are essential. Services like THT Brighton offer confidential testing. Mental health support is also crucial, as sex work can be stressful and isolating. Support services can provide access to counselling. Substance use can increase vulnerability; harm reduction services are available.

What safety resources are available?

Clare Outreach provides safety packs (condoms, lube, attack alarms, information). NUM is a critical resource for awareness of dangerous individuals. Outreach workers offer personalized safety planning.

What is the local attitude towards sex work in Brighton?

Attitudes are mixed. Brighton has a reputation for tolerance and a strong focus on harm reduction from statutory services and charities. There is significant support within the city council and local NGOs for approaches prioritizing sex worker safety and health over criminalization. However, residents in areas associated with street sex work sometimes report concerns about antisocial behaviour, discarded condoms, and kerb crawling. Debates continue around the best approach to balancing community concerns with the rights and safety of sex workers.

Is there pressure to “clean up” areas like Hollingdean Road?

Periodically, residents or businesses raise concerns, leading to increased police patrols or enforcement actions. However, the city’s official strategy has often emphasized multi-agency working (police, council, health, charities) focused on support and harm reduction rather than solely displacement, recognizing that displacement often makes workers less safe.

How does the debate around decriminalization play out locally?

Organisations like the English Collective of Prostitutes (ECP) and many support services advocate for the full decriminalization of sex work (similar to the model in New Zealand), arguing it would improve safety and access to justice. This viewpoint has significant traction among support services in Brighton. Opposition often comes from those advocating the “Nordic Model” (criminalising buyers), arguing it reduces demand and exploitation. Brighton’s approach tends to be more pragmatic, focusing on harm reduction within the current legal constraints.

What about exploitation and trafficking in Brighton?

Exploitation and trafficking are serious concerns within the wider sex industry, including potentially in Brighton. Trafficking involves coercion, deception, or force. Signs can include workers having no control over money or ID, appearing fearful or controlled, signs of physical abuse, or being moved frequently. Sussex Police and the Modern Slavery Unit actively investigate such cases. Support services are trained to identify potential victims and refer them to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) for specialist support.

How can someone report suspected trafficking?

Suspected trafficking should be reported to Sussex Police (101 or 999 in an emergency) or anonymously to Crimestoppers (0800 555 111). The Modern Slavery Helpline (08000 121 700) is also available. It’s crucial not to confront suspected traffickers directly.

What support is there for victims?

Victims identified through the NRM receive specialist support including safe accommodation, legal advice, medical care, counselling, and assistance with repatriation if needed. Local charities like the Salvation Army provide support services for victims of modern slavery.

What are the options for someone wanting to leave sex work?

Exiting sex work can be complex, often linked to factors like debt, lack of alternative employment, housing insecurity, or substance dependency. Support is available:

• Clare Project: Offers dedicated support around exiting, including advice on benefits, training, housing, and counselling.
• Brighton & Hove City Council Housing & Support Services: Can assist with housing options.
• Job Centre Plus & Training Providers: Support with finding alternative employment or skills development.
• Substance Misuse Services: Help with drug or alcohol issues if they are a barrier to exiting.

Exiting requires a holistic approach addressing the individual’s specific circumstances and barriers.

Conclusion: A Focus on Safety and Support

Sex work in Brighton, as elsewhere, exists within a complex legal and social framework. While the city adopts a relatively pragmatic and harm-reduction focused approach compared to many others, sex workers still face significant risks, stigma, and legal ambiguities. The presence of dedicated support services like the Clare Project is vital in providing essential health resources, safety information, advocacy, and pathways to support or exit. Understanding the realities, the legal context, and the available support is crucial for the safety and well-being of those involved in the industry and for informed community discussions. The emphasis remains on reducing harm and protecting the rights and safety of individuals.