Sex work is one of the most dangerous professions you can have. Often there are situations that put you at risk for violence, because of the isolating factors of the sex trade. Here are some tips to stay safe while working.

• Try to stay sober, or reduce the amount of drugs and alcohol you use on a date. The more high or drunk you are, the more difficult it is to negotiate with clients.  While high or drunk you may agree to services that you do not normally offer.
  
  
• When working on the street, try to work with a friend. Watch out for each other; notice the details of the date (age, ethnicity, identifying features such as tattoos/scars), and their car (color, year, make). Also notice what time they left, and write down the license plate number if you can.
  
  
• When getting into a car or going into a dates place make sure you are the only one there. Scan the room, check behind doors and in back seats.

• Read bad date sheets and carry one with you
  
  
• When doing outcall work, make sure someone knows where you are going and what time you are expected to return. If your agency doesn’t do this for you, or you work independently, find a friend that you can trust.
  
  
• Always get the money up front and negotiate your services before you get started. It is more difficult to negotiate after the fact.
  
  
• Above all trust your instincts. If you don’t trust someone, don’t go with them. Very rarely are our instincts wrong!