Sex work is an essential and often overlooked aspect of the modern world, providing a necessary service for many people. However, sex work also comes with a unique set of dangers, which is why it is so vital for sex workers to take steps to stay safe. And one of the biggest dangers faced by sex workers is the threat of stalkers.
- What is stalking and when does it become stalking?
- How to protect yourself and things to look out for
- Resources
- Be cautious
Stalkers often fixate on a particular sex worker, and they may go to great lengths to track their movements and learn their routines. This can be extremely dangerous, as it can give the stalker the opportunity to attack the sex worker when they are alone and vulnerable.
It is so essential for sex workers to take precautions against potential stalkers, such as using pseudonyms, varying their schedules, and avoiding giving out personal information. Naturally, there are other safety tricks you can use as an escort to avoid danger, and we will go through them in this guide.
What is stalking and when does it become stalking?
Stalking is a repetitive pattern of behaviour that makes a person feel scared, nervous, or unsafe. A stalker can be someone you know, a stranger, or even an ex-partner.
Stalking is a serious problem and can have a lasting impact on your life. So much so that stalking was introduced as a criminal offence in 2012 and was made part of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.
If you think you are being stalked, it is important to tell someone, get help, and report it to the authorities. There is no one-size-fits-all definition of stalking, but it generally refers to a course of conduct that makes you feel scared or threatened.
This can include following you, showing up at your home or workplace, leaving you unwanted gifts, making unwanted phone calls, or sending you threatening messages, in extreme cases.
How to protect yourself and things to look out for
As an escort, you are at a higher risk of being targeted by a stalker, and there are a few things you can do to protect yourself. Of course, staying aware of your surroundings and trusting your gut instinct is a good start. Let’s go deeper into simple tips that can help keep yourself safe from stalkers.
Aliases
Using an alias shouldn’t be an option as a sex worker, and protecting yourself from stalkers is only one of the benefits. First, you must be very careful about who knows your real name and where you live, despite hosting them to provide your services.
You might be Sarah one day and Nicole the next. It helps keep things fresh and exciting for your clients, but it also protects you from anyone trying to track you down outside of work.
A pseudonym should be used with regular clients and even with closer individuals. All in all, your clients should know that safety comes first and if that means using a different name from time to time, then so be it.
Obviously, using an alias is also essential when working online and it’s one of the best tips to stay safe on webcam as a sex worker.
Using private profiles
Having someone stalking you can be a very frightening experience. And with social media and online presence becoming an increasing threat, one of the best ways to protect yourself is to use a private profile on social media.
This will prevent them from being able to see your posts, message you, and eventually track you down. Additionally, it will make it more difficult for them to find out personal information about you.
On top of that, asking your friends not to share your photos on their profiles is a good idea, as stalkers can get creative and use your connections to find more about you. While a private profile will not guarantee that you will never be stalked, it can help to deter potential stalkers and make it easier to report them if they do manage to contact you.
Establish a tracing system, may it be a friend or a co-worker
While a stalker’s actions may be motivated by infatuation or obsession, the effect on their victim can be devastating. Stalkers can cause fear and anxiety, disrupt your daily routine, and make it difficult to go about your life.
You should establish a tracing system if you believe you are being stalked. This can be done by designating a friend or co-worker as your “tracing buddy.” You text or call your buddy whenever you go somewhere to let them know where you are going and when you expect to arrive.
Also, send them a message as soon as your client arrives so that they know you’re in a meeting. If you don’t arrive on time or don’t message them as soon as the client leaves, your buddy will know to look for you. This system can help to deter a stalker and give you peace of mind.
Try not to travel alone, may it be around town or to another city
No one should have to worry about being followed. Unfortunately, in today’s society, it is a very real and present danger, and sex workers are a common target.
While there are many measures you can take to remain safe, one of the best things you can do is to avoid travelling alone. Try to travel with friends or family whenever possible, and if you must travel alone, be sure to let someone know your plans ahead of time.
Apart from that, avoid telling many people where you’re going and, instead, just inform your close friends or colleagues.
Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, and trust your instincts if you feel like you are being followed. If you take these precautions, you can help to keep yourself safe from stalkers.
Never let your cell phone out of your sight
If you suspect someone is following or monitoring your movements, keeping an eye on your phone is crucial. In fact, stalkers can install spyware on your phone in a matter of minutes to gain access to passwords, read your texts, and listen in to your phone conversations.
Also, if you’re currently living with someone who may be stalking and jealous of your life, then they should not have access to texts or emails on your phone. To prevent this, you’ll want to use a strong passcode that no one will be able to guess.
Use a post office box instead of a mailbox
Keeping yourself safe from stalkers also means taking all necessary precautions to avoid being found, and using a post office box is a great way to go. Not only will it keep your home address private, but it will also give you a bit of extra security.
Post office boxes are tamper-proof and can only be opened with a key, so you can rest assured that your mail is safe from prying eyes.
Plus, if you ever need to move, simply change your address with the post office, and your mail will be forwarded to your new location. Using a post office box is an easy and effective way to protect yourself from stalkers.
Avoid tagging your locations on social media
Social media has become a staple in many people’s lives. It’s a great way to stay in touch with friends and family, share experiences, and store memories. However, there is a downside to sharing too much information online: you could be giving away too much about your whereabouts and making yourself a target for stalkers.
By tagging your location on social media, you’re essentially providing a map for anyone who wants to find you. And the other way around – photos featuring you in your friends’ photos will allow stalkers to know where you are.
Of course, posting pictures and check-ins can give stalkers a sense of your daily routine, making it easier for them to track your movements. In conclusion, to protect yourself against stalkers, you should avoid tagging your location on social media.
Resources
If you are being stalked, know that you are not alone and there are resources to help you. Regardless of how well you think you know your stalker or how “harmless” they may seem, it is important to take steps to protect yourself and hold them accountable for their actions. Here are some resources you have to report your stalkers.
Police
The police can take notes on the abuse, which can be useful in their investigations, and it doesn’t matter if you’re not willing to make a formal complaint. In fact, it will help prevent attacks on other sex workers and report these individuals.
If they do investigate your case further and associate the stalker with other reports, it will definitely help you and become known to authorities. You can contact the police on 999 for emergencies and 101 for non-emergencies, or alternatively, report it online.
National Ugly Mugs
National Ugly Mugs may be contacted via the online reporting system or by phone at 0161629 9861, or by email at [email protected] if you live or work in the United Kingdom.
In an interview with Vivastreet, former TV expert and escort Rebecca Dakin recommends checking National Ugly Mugs to avoid dangerous clients.
Ugly Mugs Ireland
Alternatively, if you live in Ireland, a good option to report stalkers is to contact Ugly Mugs Ireland. They are reachable by email at [email protected] and by phone at 0161 629 9861.
National Stalking Helpline
The National Stalking Helpline is a great resource for guidance and advice in reporting stalking. Their contact number is 01708 765200, and their email address is [email protected].
Be cautious
Despite the risks, stalking can be reported to the local authorities and other organisations, making it easier for sex workers. By taking some simple precautions, you can reduce your risk of being stalked or harassed.
Have you ever experienced stalking or harassment as a sex worker? What steps do you take to protect yourself? We hope these tips will help keep you safe and allow you to do your work without fear for your safety. Let us know in the comments below.
