Safety advice

Check your surroundings:

• Work in areas you know. Try to work in places with at least some lighting, CCTV
• Stay connected. It is safer to work in pairs, but if you must work alone,let a trusted person know your location and expected check-in times; use code words if needed.
• Carry a charged phone with emergency contacts pre-programmed; consider safety apps that allow location sharing.
• Have an exit strategy: plan how to leave quickly if needed

Before getting in a punter’s car:

• Trust your instincts – do not approach or enter vehicles if you feel uneasy. If it feels safe to do so, take down the registration number and share with a trusted person. Prioritise last three letters on registration, model and colour of car.
• Assess behaviour: avoid punters who appear intoxicated, aggressive, or unwilling to discuss boundaries clearly.
• Agree terms upfront (services, price, duration) before any engagement.

Transactions and movement

• Avoid isolated or unfamiliar locations; if entering a vehicle, note the registration number and share it if you can.
• Keep belongings secure and accessible (avoid being separated from your phone or keys).

Health and protection

• Use barrier protection (e.g. condoms) and carry your own supplies.
• Avoid substance use that may impair judgment or awareness.
• Access regular health checks through local clinics or outreach services.

Violence and exploitation risks

• Be cautious of “offers” of help that involve dependency or control (e.g., someone insisting on managing your work or finances).
• Report serious incidents where safe to do so. A worker at Lunar can help you report a bad date in a couple of ways.

Working indoors can offer more control, but risks remain around management practices, privacy, and security.

Environment and management

• Understand the setup: who manages the premises, what rules apply, and how safety is handled.
• Clear policies: there should be clear procedures for screening clients, managing payments, and responding to incidents.
• Avoid exploitative conditions: be wary of excessive fees, restrictions on movement, or pressure to accept clients or services beyond your consent.

Security measures

• Reception/check-in systems: clients should be logged, and identification or contact details may be recorded where appropriate and lawful.
• Alarm systems: panic buttons, code knocks, or check-in calls between rooms can improve safety.
• Colleague awareness: ensure someone knows when a client is with you and expected end times.

Screening clients

• Pre-booking: where possible, favour advance bookings with basic screening (e.g., name, contact).
• Refusal rights: you should be able to refuse service at any time if you feel unsafe.
• Behaviour checks: decline clients who are intoxicated, aggressive, or unwilling to respect boundaries.

Boundary setting and consent

• Agree services and prices in advance; avoid ambiguity.
• Maintain control of the space (e.g. keeping personal items out of reach, positioning yourself near exits).
• Have a clear signal or protocol for summoning help discreetly.

Health and hygiene

• Use and store protection properly; avoid re-use.
• Sanitise surfaces and shared facilities regularly.
• Schedule regular health check-ups and access support for sexual health and wellbeing.

Privacy and data protection

• Limit personal information shared with clients and staff to what is necessary.
• Secure records (if kept) in line with data protection requirements.
• Protect anonymity where desired (use pseudonyms, separate work contact details).

Online platforms (including camming, messaging, or arranging in-person meetings) introduce digital safety and privacy risks alongside offline considerations.

Digital privacy and identity

• Separate identities: use distinct emails, phone numbers, and accounts for work.
• Avoid sharing identifiable details (real name, home address, routine locations).
• Check backgrounds in photos or videos to prevent revealing personal information.

Platform safety

• Use reputable platforms with clear policies on abuse, payments, and data protection.
• Enable security features: strong passwords, two-factor authentication.
• Understand platform rules to avoid account suspensions or loss of earnings.

Client screening and communication

• Keep communication on-platform where moderation and reporting are possible.
• Beware of scams: requests to move to private channels immediately, fake payment confirmations, or chargeback risks.
• Set expectations clearly (services offered, pricing, boundaries).

Payments and financial security

• Use secure payment methods (trusted processors, escrow where available).
• Avoid accepting payments that can easily be reversed without safeguards.
• Keep records of transactions (receipts, messages) in case of disputes.

Content control and consent

• Be aware of recording risks: clients may attempt to capture or redistribute content.
• Watermark content where feasible and monitor for unauthorised sharing.
• Know reporting routes for takedowns on platforms and search engines.

Arranging in-person meetings

• Do not share your home address; use neutral, safe locations where appropriate.
• Pre-screen clients with basic verification and references where possible.
• Inform a colleague or trusted contact of meeting details and check-in times.

Mental wellbeing and boundaries

• Manage time and exposure: online work can blur boundaries; schedule breaks.
• Handle harassment: use block/report tools and avoid engaging with abusive users.
• Seek support if you feel pressured, threatened, or overwhelmed.

• Know your rights and local laws, including what is legal/illegal where you are.
• Develop a safety plan tailored to your circumstances (contacts, safe routes, emergency steps).
• Build a support network (trusted peers, outreach organisations, health services).
• Keep essential items accessible: phone, ID (if required), medications, emergency cash.
• Trust your judgement: you can refuse or stop an interaction at any time.

If you feel at risk of harm, exploitation, or coercion, contact local support services, emergency services where appropriate, or specialist organisations that offer confidential advice and assistance.

WISHES (Women’s Inclusive Sexual Health Extended Service)

• Phone: 07769 887112
• Email: wishes@nhs.scot 
• Location: Spittal Street / Chalmers Centre, Edinburgh
• Offers sexual health care, STI testing, contraception, harm reduction, outreach, and practical/emotional support specifically for women involved in selling sex or at risk.

Call NHS 24 on 111 for urgent health advice

Chalmers Sexual Health Centre (NHS Lothian)

• Phone: 0131 536 1070
• Address: 2A Chalmers Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9ES
• Provides free, confidential sexual health services including STI testing, contraception, HIV services, and advice.

Lothian Sexual Health (network of clinics)

• Phone: 0131 536 1070
• Offers clinics and outreach services across Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian and West Lothian, including free condoms and testing.

Edinburgh Women’s Aid

• Helpline: 0131 315 8110
• 24-hour Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 027 1234
• Address: 4 Cheyne Street, Edinburgh, EH4 1JB
• Offers confidential support, refuge accommodation, safety planning, and advocacy for women experiencing abuse or violence.

Shakti Women’s Aid

• Phone: 0131 475 2399
• Specialist support for Black and minority ethnic women experiencing abuse or exploitation.

Beira’s Place

• Phone: 0131 526 3944
• Provides support, advocacy and information for women affected by sexual violence or exploitation across the Lothians.

Turning Point Scotland (Edinburgh services)

• Phone: 0131 554 7516
• Offers support with addiction, mental health, and crisis situations.

City of Edinburgh Council – Social Care & Housing Support

• Social Care Direct: 0131 200 2324
• Emergency Social Work (out of hours): 0800 731 6969
• Provides support for people at risk of harm, homelessness, or crisis, including referrals to appropriate services.

Outreach and Community Support

Outreach services (e.g., NHS harm reduction vans and joint outreach with charities) operate in some areas and may provide condoms, health support, and advice in street settings.