prostitution in canada

Safety Tips for Street Workers

Items to Bring with You

 

    Bring a variety of condoms (flavored, dry, lubed) and make sure you have enough for the night. If you are allergic to latex condoms use polyurethane condoms (ex. Trojan Avanti) or the female condom (ex. Reality), as neither contain latex.

 

    Use rubber gloves or liquid band-aids for giving hand-jobs.

 

     Carry enough water-based lubricant for the night (ex. KY, Astroglide)

 

    If you have a cell phone bring it with you, if not, try to save some money to buy one and carry change or a phone card for the payphone.

 

       Carry a pen (or pencil) and a small pad of paper. Use this to write down license plate numbers, the location of where you will be, and other important information.

 

       Try not to take any money, identification (except your health card), or any other valuable items with you while working, as these could be stolen by a client or forgotten.

       Bring your health card with you – use it to show police if you are asked to

identify yourself, or if you have to go to the hospital.

 

       Try not to work while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol, but if you think you might use drugs bring your own works with you (i.e. clean needles, cooker, water, pipe, etc.)

 

      Carry something that can be used as a weapon like hair spray, (for the eyes), or keys.

 

    Take with you a small phone book or piece of paper with emergency phone numbers (rape crisis, shelter, police, hospital, bad date line, a friend, etc.)

 

    Take some wipes (alcohol wipes, baby wipes, etc) or anti-bacterial gel.

 

    Stash keys, money, ID, and other important stuff where they will be safe. Keeping them in your pocket or handbag makes them more accessible if a client tries to rob you.

What to Wear

       Make sure you can see – if you have contacts or glasses WEAR THEM!

 

    Try to wear clothing that you don't have to take off to fuck, (or clothes that can be put on quickly). This is good if you have to leave in a hurry or if you have to run away.

 

    Wear shoes that are comfortable and that you are able to run in.

 

       Avoid necklaces, hand bags with large straps, or scarves as these could be used to choke you.

 

While Working

    Try to work in a well lit area with a pay phone nearby.

 

    If you can, work with a friend or with a group of people.

 

    Run AGAINST traffic, not with it.

 

    Have a friend know where you are going, provide them with as much information as you can like: a phone number, license plate number, full name, where you are going etc. You can also leave a message on the Bad Date Line (416-765-6009), just please call back after your date to tell them that you are okay.

 

    If you don't have a friend around, make the client think that you do by saying to the nearest passer-by that you will meet them later at a  place nearby.

Let the client know that you told someone where you will be (even if you didn't).

 

    Cautiously approach a clients car, leaving enough distance between you and the car to avoid being grabbed.

 

    Pick a hotel or parking lot that you feel safe in.

 

    Cautiously approach a clients car, leaving enough distance between you and the car to avoid being grabbled.

 

    Arrange price, location, and service outside of the car.

 

    Walk around the car to look in it to ensure that the deriver is alone and that nobody is hiding.

 

    Once in the car, make sure that you can easily open the car door and that the handle is working.

    Get your money upfront and stash it somewhere (other than where you usually put it), where the client can see. This way if he does rob you, he won't get all your money.

 

    Put your purse where you can find it without looking (i.e. on the floor between your feet).

 

    ALWAYS keep your eyes and ears on him and especially his hands.

 

    If he doesn't mind, keep the car door slightly open.

 

    If you are being attacked MAKE NOISE! Scream, yell, whatever, just make a commotion. Somebody might hear you and help you.

 

    If you are going to a hotel or his place, make sure that once you are in, that you check all of the rooms (including the bathroom), to ensure that nobody is hiding.

 

    Make sure that the clients door does not have a dead bolt on it.

 

       While in the clients space check to see if there is an alternative exit other than the door you came in.

 

       If you have had a bad date please report it to your local Bad Date Line, so the information on the assailant can be passed on to other sex workers.

 

       If you have never taken a self defence course, now would be the best time to start.

 

       Remember to always trust your gut.

 

Written by Wendy Babcock