Adult service websites (ASWs) are often used by independent sex workers as a safer method of advertising their services or to provide sexual services fully online (e.g. cam work, Only Fans).
Advertising or providing sexual services online is widely considered to be safer than other forms of sex work such as street sex work. However, these platforms are also used to advertise the services of those who are being sexually exploited, a crime that disproportionately affects women.
Netreach launched in 2022 thanks to funding from the Home Office and provides online outreach to people advertising sexual services online. As well as working directly with people selling sex, the team also monitor online platforms to identify adverts which indicate exploitation and share this intelligence with the police. The service is open to both independent sex workers and those at risk of or experiencing sexual exploitation but is primarily accessed by the latter. It is also open to people of all genders but the majority of those who access the service are women.
Online spaces play an important role in allowing independent sex workers to conduct their business safely but are also used by those seeking to exploit and abuse.
Outreach services for those involved in the sex industry, whether voluntarily or as a result of coercion and exploitation, has not traditionally engaged in the online space, with many focused exclusively on street sex work. Netreach’s innovative approach is proactively engaging with a developing aspect of the sex industry and reaching people who may otherwise be missed.
Netreach caseworkers are trained and supported to navigate a complex field. Tackling exploitation is not as simple as removing an ad. Without appropriate training, pathways and governance, this kind of service could compromise live police investigations and judgements have to be made carefully regarding whether contacting someone could put them at great risk.
Changing Lives are also calling for online platforms to take increased responsibility for the safety of its users. While over-regulation can be detrimental to independent sex workers, there are several steps that online platforms can take including using AI technology to identify perpetrators of sexual exploitation; age verification software; human moderating teams; and clear reporting pathways if platform users wish to highlight concerns.
Sarah Clarke, VAWG Lead at Changing Lives, said:
“We have seen an unprecedented increase in demand at Changing Lives for our support services nationally for women who are being sexually exploited by organised crime groups.
We understand the targeted and specialist approach that is needed to support victims of adult sexual exploitation and in some geographical areas have identified over 1000 online adverts daily that to the untrained eye appear to be females selling sex, this isn’t the case, these adverts demonstrate the high levels of females being sexually exploited.
We are undertaking some positive work with police forces nationally and are currently leading the way collaboratively with Operation Sanctuary from Merseyside Police. This joint work offers trauma-informed support centred around safeguarding victims whilst Operation Sanctuary focus on disrupting and pursuing offenders of such crimes of violence against women and girls. Partnership working is crucial to achieve best outcomes for victims.”
Philippa Rousell, Policy Manager at Changing Lives, said:
“It is really concerning to see the rise in sexual exploitation taking place online. Online spaces play an important role in allowing independent sex workers to conduct their business safely but are also used by those seeking to exploit and abuse. If online platforms are going to profit from the sex industry, they need to take responsibility for addressing the harms that their platforms are used to perpetuate.
We are not advocating for these platforms to be shut down, but rather to take the wellbeing of their users seriously. As well as being used by independent sex workers, these platforms are vital sources of intelligence in exploitation cases and allow a direct route to women who may need safeguarding.
Sexual exploitation cases, especially those connected to organised crime, are often highly complex and it’s not as simple as just removing the ads. Services like Netreach provide vital intelligence to police who act when the time is right, and they have all the evidence that they need. Most importantly, we provide a vital connection to the women themselves, ensuring their safety is prioritised and their voices are heard.”
One of the many people supported as part of the NETReach Programme had this to say regarding the support they received:
“Thank you for accepting me when I was at rock bottom and gently holding my hand while I crawled out of that nightmare. I’m so grateful for every amazing person Red Umbrella have hand-picked to support in all my difficulties. When I become an inspirational speaker, I will shout from the rooftops your name and tell everyone how amazing you really are.”
For additional information or any questions please contact the Communications team.
