“It’s still a form of violence”

: Sex workers’ experiences of domestic and familial abuse

Abstract

Sex workers’ experiences of violence and abuse within the family and intimate partner dynamics is under-researched and under-theorised. Based on the experiences of sex workers across England and Wales, this thesis explores how sex workers experienced domestic violence and abuse (DVA) while they were sex working, and the ways in which sex work and DVA intersected and overlapped at various points in their life. Set against the backdrop of neoliberalism, and drawing on discourses of agency, responsibility, and criminality, this thesis further asks why sex workers may not disclose their experiences of DVA and where, if anywhere, they do and seek help and support.

This study applies a scholar-activist and intersectional approach, and involves a thorough literature review of both academic and activist materials. 15 qualitative semi-structured long-form interviews with current and former sex workers were carried out, and what follows are significant findings which uncover the extent of stigma and the effects of criminalisation in personal and familial relationships, the importance and the holistic work of sex worker outreach projects, and the power of narratives and discourses in how sex workers understand and articulate their experiences of violence.

Utilising personal experience, professional knowledge from frontline domestic violence and sex worker outreach, and a strong history of sex worker activism, this research fills a much needed gap in knowledge in focusing on sex workers’ experiences of domestic and familial abuse.

Date of Award	28 May 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Roehampton
Supervisor	Mark McCormack (Director of Studies) & Amanda Holt (Co-Supervisor)