How are sex workers faring in Germany? One thing is clear: sex work is a topic that is often accompanied by social prejudices and legal controversies. The “Sex Worker Welbeing Survey 2024” by Erobella aims to take a differentiated look at the realities of sex workers’ lives in Germany. The survey provides a detailed overview of the health, social and legal situation of this often marginalised group and highlights the challenges they face.
In 2017, the Prostitutes Protection Act came into force, which was intended to regulate the living and working conditions of sex workers in Germany. The law is currently being evaluated by the Criminological Research Institute of Lower Saxony in order to assess its impact. However, it is currently unclear whether the results will be made available to the public. Against this backdrop and to promote transparency, Erobella initiated the “Sex Work Well-Being Survey 2024”, which records the living and working conditions of sex workers independently of any government investigations.
To compile the index, 205 sex workers in Germany were surveyed in conjunction with non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The survey was conducted anonymously via questionnaire to ensure the protection of the participants. The topics surveyed included:
The full report is expected to be published at the end of 2024. The current section offers an initial preview of some topics.
The interviewees represent a diverse group of sex workers in terms of gender, background and working environment.
The results show that the majority of respondents (around 85%) rate their physical and mental health as positive and they have access to psychological care. However, there is a significant minority who struggle with mental health issues. Common stressors, such as unreliable customers, booking management and cultural barriers, affect both work and home life. These factors make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships, practice self-care and maintain a stable work-life balance.
“Taking care of my mental health is crucial because I cannot work well or safely if I am in a poor mental state. Connecting with other sex workers through regular meetings or activities organized by BesD or others contributes significantly to my mental health.”
“Through sex work and the negative / bullying guys, I’ve become more self-confident and don’t let anyone tell me lies anymore, not even in private.”
“You need a strong mental state for the job. Mainly because of the preparatory work and the back office. Not because of the meetings themselves.”
Respondents highlighted several positive aspects of their work, such as financial independence, flexible working hours and the ability to set their own schedule. Despite these benefits, however, there are significant challenges, particularly in terms of precarious working conditions, lack of employee protection and the risk of sexual assault. The behaviour of clients, especially those who do not show up for agreed meetings or repeatedly request services that a sex worker does not offer are a common negative factor.
“Sex work allows me to earn a good living for less time. I’m already an older woman, but I’m still very much in demand in sex work.”
“The behaviour of most men should change: Deception, making appointments and not showing up, price dumping and, very important: asking for services that I don’t even offer.”
“I have little free time because I have to be constantly available and stay in contact with customers.”
“I find it very stressful that users don’t look at and read through the profiles carefully.”
Sex workers reported that their profession affects their private lives in various ways. Difficulties in building relationships, a reduced libido and the pressure to be constantly available are frequently expressed problems. In addition, respondents expressed a strong desire for legal changes, particularly in the areas of decriminalisation of sex work and fairer treatment of migrants in the industry.
“I live a normal life, sometimes people recognize me in the city, but that doesn’t stop me from living my life.”
“Unfortunately, it’s not possible to have a really nice relationship in private.”
“My work as a sex worker makes normal dating practically impossible.”
“Since I’ve been doing sex work professionally, I’ve become more self-confident”
“I have to be careful who I tell that I’m a sex worker. There are men and women who I don’t want to ask me for sex work under any circumstances. I’ve already had someone from my old school class find out that I do sex work and write to me like “Hey, you’re a hooker – when can I fuck you?”
The “Sex Work Well-Being Index 2024” paints a differentiated picture of the situation of sex workers in Germany. While many appreciate the benefits of their work, challenges such as safety, stress and the impact on their personal lives remain.
Ola Miedzynska, co-founder of Erobella, summarizes the results of the index as follows:
“The ‘Sex Work Wellbeing Survey 2024’ clearly shows that we as a society must finally be prepared to take the needs and voices of sex workers seriously. This is not just about changing the law, but about a fundamental shift in the way we talk and think about sex work. We need to focus on the wellbeing, rights and safety of those who are often on the margins of society and give them the recognition and support they deserve.”
This survey’s analysis was supported by Olena Ivanova, MD, PhD – Women’s Health & Global Health Senior Researcher.
The survey was conducted online over the months of June and July 2024, gathering responses from a total of 205 participants. All survey submissions were collected anonymously to ensure privacy and encourage honest feedback. The majority of respondents were sourced from the Erobella userbase, while additional responses were garnered through collaboration with various sex worker-involved NGOs. This diverse pool of participants provides a well-rounded perspective on the subject matter.
