{"id":4306,"date":"2023-04-18T14:55:34","date_gmt":"2023-04-18T13:55:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/?p=4306"},"modified":"2023-04-18T14:57:10","modified_gmt":"2023-04-18T13:57:10","slug":"misconceptions-about-hiring-an-escort","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/misconceptions-about-hiring-an-escort\/","title":{"rendered":"Common misconceptions about hiring an escort"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taboo subjects are often surrounded by myths and misconceptions. In a society that shies away from talking about sex work, it\u2019s no surprise that we don\u2019t know the truth about escort services. However, this can be damaging for escorts and their clients, as rumours and<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/navigating-stigma-and-discrimination\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">negative stereotypes<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are harmful.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#commonmisconceptions\">Some of the common misconceptions about hiring an escort<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#areallescortsforcedintotheindustry?\">Are all escorts forced or coerced into the industry?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#ishiringanescortillegal?\">Is hiring an escort illegal? What are the laws around escorting?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#areallclientsabusive?\">Are all clients abusive and dangerous? <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#issexworkeasymoney?\">Is sex work easy money?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#howtochallengethestereotypes\">How to challenge sex work stereotypes and seek accurate information about the sex industry<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#consentandsafety\">Why are consent and safety essential in the sex industry?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#thetakeaway\">The takeaway<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today, we\u2019re looking at the most common misconceptions about hiring an escort to help you learn the truth. We\u2019ll explain the typical myths and provide strategies to help you learn more about the industry. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scroll down to read more.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"commonmisconceptions\"><strong>Some of the common misconceptions about hiring an escort<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hiring an escort is something that no one speaks about. But it\u2019s constantly happening and talking about it is super important.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the most common misconceptions include that all escorts are forced into the industry, hiring an escort is illegal, or that all clients are abusive or dangerous. These simply aren\u2019t true in the UK.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cityoflondon.police.uk\/advice\/advice-and-information\/sw\/sex-worker-safety\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hiring an escort in the UK is legal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and most client bookings go without any issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other myths include that sex work is easy money, that sex workers are uneducated or have no other options, or that sex workers have substance abuse issues. Again, these are false ideas, and most escorts choose to be in their profession and work very hard for their success.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/misconceptions-about-being-a-sex-worker\/\">common escort misconceptions<\/a> include:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hiring an escort is a sign of immorality or weakness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All escorts are women and all clients are men<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sex workers don\u2019t have <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/sex-work-relationships\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">personal relationships<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> outside of work<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escorts will do anything<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All escorts are damaged or have low self-esteem<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sex workers are sexually promiscuous\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clients are only interested in looks, not intelligence or personality<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sex workers choose the industry due to drug dependence<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escorts have a history of trauma or abuse<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sex work leads to criminal activity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All escorts have STIs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clients can\u2019t find partners or have successful relationships<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All sex work is morally bankrupt<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escorts can\u2019t find other work<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Likely, you\u2019ve heard some of these false ideas before. Each sex worker and client are different, and it\u2019s crucial to change the negative stereotypes surrounding this industry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why having accurate information about the sex industry is important<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Striving for accurate sex industry information changes perceptions of escorts and clients, which leads to a better quality of life for both parties.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Real information helps to promote health and safety services, removes stigma, and provides more access to social services for escorts. It also helps to inform policymaking, which champions the rights of sex workers and their labour laws.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4308\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/misconceptions-about-hiring-an-escort-1.png\" alt=\"two people hugging while sitting on the bed\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/misconceptions-about-hiring-an-escort-1.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/misconceptions-about-hiring-an-escort-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/misconceptions-about-hiring-an-escort-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/misconceptions-about-hiring-an-escort-1-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/misconceptions-about-hiring-an-escort-1-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"areallescortsforcedintotheindustry?\"><strong>Are all escorts forced or coerced into the industry?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many believe that escorts are either coerced or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/sex-work-vs-sex-trafficking\/\">forced into the industry<\/a>. However, for the overwhelming majority of escorts, this simply isn\u2019t true.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escorts are often drawn to the industry because they enjoy the work, want to set their own hours or want the financial rewards. Of course, no two escorts have the exact same job and some will run their businesses differently. However, for many, it\u2019s a very free and fulfilling job that beats some of the more traditional career paths.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ishiringanescortillegal?\"><strong>Is hiring an escort illegal? What are the laws around escorting?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding UK laws surrounding escorting can be challenging, especially when there\u2019s no mainstream information available.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the UK, working as an escort is completely legal. It\u2019s also legal to pay for escort services when your chosen escort is working out of their own free will.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Some escort services are illegal, though. These include:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pimping\/prostituting others. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This includes arranging client meetings for another, advertising their services, and taking a piece of their earnings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Owning\/running a brothel. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managing or owning a brothel is illegal in the UK<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Soliciting others for sex work.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This includes loitering or approaching potential clients in a public place<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learn more from the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/prostitutescollective.net\/know-your-rights\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">English Collective of Prostitutes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"areallclientsabusive?\"><strong>Are all clients abusive and dangerous?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s easy to assume all clients are dangerous and abusive, as there are some risks associated with escorting and the sex industry. However, for most clients, this couldn\u2019t be further from the truth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most clients seek a unique sexual experience, emotional companionship, or a long-term connection without the strings of a traditional relationship. These clients respect escorts and want a positive experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, escorts can set boundaries and break up with clients that aren\u2019t respectful. This empowerment allows them to avoid any dangerous or abusive clients.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to note that not all escorts have the same experiences and sometimes accidents do happen. But this is rare and spreading this information contributes to discrimination sex workers face.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do you screen clients for safety?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One way escorts can stay ahead of any issues is by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/SexWorkers\/comments\/wch41c\/screening_the_ones_who_have_the_most_to_lose_are\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">screening their clients <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">before making a booking.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This includes conducting background checks, asking for ID and social media information, and taking general checks to ensure the potential client is who they say they are. This protects sex workers from clients that want to harm them and helps them find any red flags before making the booking.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UK escorts can also use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/clienteye-and-vivastreet-partnership\/\">ClientEye app<\/a> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nationaluglymugs.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NUM database<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to run email and number checks for previous incidents or criminal backgrounds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"issexworkeasymoney?\"><strong>Is sex work easy money?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another standard misconception about escorting is that sex work is easy money. This myth couldn\u2019t be any further from the truth. Sex workers pull long hours and experience physical and emotional tolls to keep their businesses thriving.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, alongside providing client services, sex workers need to create business plans, set their rates, market their services, and complete business administration. A company usually employs a whole team of people to complete these services, but escorts usually do it alone &#8211; which is extra impressive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As escorting often includes physical acts, it can be more demanding on sex workers\u2019 bodies. To combat these tolls, eating well, sleeping enough, and committing to regular exercise are essential. Body-based<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/self-care-for-sex-workers\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">self-care is a must for all escorts,<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and this also includes regular STI testing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, this job can also affect an escort&#8217;s mental health. Sex workers are more likely to experience career-based stigma and they face less access to services, which can quickly take its toll mentally. Working with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/sex-work-friendly-therapists\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sex-positive therapists<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and creating personal self-care plans can combat these issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are sex workers uneducated and have no other options?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since many assume that sex work is easy money, they also tend to believe sex workers lack other skills, too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A simple peep into a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/SexWorkers\/top\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sex worker forum<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> i<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nstantly proves this wrong. Sex workers choose the industry not because they don\u2019t have any other choices, but because they want to. They enjoy the work and have the intelligence to make the industry work for them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4307\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/misconceptions-about-hiring-an-escort-2.png\" alt=\"couple in formal wear\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/misconceptions-about-hiring-an-escort-2.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/misconceptions-about-hiring-an-escort-2-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/misconceptions-about-hiring-an-escort-2-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/misconceptions-about-hiring-an-escort-2-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/misconceptions-about-hiring-an-escort-2-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"howtochallengethestereotypes\"><strong>How to challenge sex work stereotypes and seek accurate information about the sex industry<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Making a conscious effort to learn about false stereotypes is the best place to start when learning about the sex industry. Finding the truth always starts with weeding out the lies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To improve your knowledge of the escorting world, start researching online. Many sex workers frequently<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quora.com\/What-are-biggest-misconceptions-about-sex-workers-and-prostitution\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">provide honest answers<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and first-person information to help clients and interested individuals learn more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also find<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/best-sex-positive-media\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sex-positive media<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">or sex worker-focused organisations, as these provide educational and entertaining information about the truth of escorting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We recommend exploring <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/beyondthestreets.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond the Streets<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/pow-advice.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">POW Nottingham<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/prostitutescollective.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">English Collective of Prostitutes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to learn more. You can also search <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/SexWorkers\/comments\/qbvkla\/im_a_uk_sex_worker_in_london_reasonably_high_end\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sex worker forums<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for UK-based information<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for first-person information, too.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"consentandsafety\"><strong>Why are consent and safety essential in the sex industry?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consent and safety are two key pillars of the sex industry, as these protect both the escort and the client and lead to a positive overall experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consent is always a must in sex work, and nothing should happen without enthusiastic consent. A conversation about expectations, consent, and boundaries needs to happen before making a booking or engaging in sex, every time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safety is also a must in the sex industry, and this involves <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/escort-sex-education\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">appropriate sex education,<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> protective measures, and regular STI testing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both factors are essential to keep everyone safe and to ensure a sexy experience. Without these, abuse and harm are more likely, which is unacceptable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"thetakeaway\"><strong>The takeaway<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The sex industry is still a mystery to many, and unfortunately, rumours and myths continue to spread. However, we\u2019re on a mission to change these untrue misconceptions. Our blog provides real sex industry advice and information to help our audience learn the truth. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Explore more online here.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Taboo subjects are often surrounded by myths and misconceptions. In a society that shies away from talking about sex work, it\u2019s no surprise that we don\u2019t know the truth about escort services. However, this can be damaging for escorts and their clients, as rumours and negative stereotypes are harmful.\u00a0 Some of the common misconceptions about [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4309,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"CBBTypography":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[222,221],"tags":[],"yst_prominent_words":[],"class_list":["post-4306","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-for-clients","category-sex-work-101"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4306","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4306"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4306\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4309"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4306"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4306"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4306"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=4306"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}