There are dangers for workers who offer escort services, but there are steps that you can take and things to be aware of so that your heath and safety aren’t under threat on the job.
Why do escorts?
Not every sex worker is prepared to provide an escort service. It takes a lot of self confidence and maybe just a touch of madness to travel to some strange suburb in the middle of the night to see some guy on his own territory. Doing escorts is not for the faint hearted. You must be confident and project that confidence to the client or he may take advantage of the situation.
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Brothels cannot make you do escorts if you are not comfortable doing them.
- Tell the client that it is compulsory for him to wear a condom.
- Ask him if he is alone and explain that the worker will not stay if, on arrival, they find extra people there.
- Check to see if he is paying with cash or using credit card. (no cheques as they always bounce!)
- If he is paying by credit card, obtain approval for his credit card.
- Take extra credit card slips in case he wishes to extend.
- Confirm the name and address which the client gives you by phoning information or looking in the phone book.
- Phone the client back to confirm that he is at the number.
- For hotel/motel jobs, call the front desk to see if they have a guest booked under the name given and confirm the room no.
- Inform the client if your agency has a rejection fee.
- Don’t forget your mobile phone…
Escorts can, however, be an excellent way to boost your earnings if you are having a quiet night in the parlour. Ensuring your safety on escorts is vital. It is essential that you follow a safety procedure which all workers and receptionists are familiar with.
The receptionist
The person in the office is your back up if something goes wrong. It is very important that all staff (on both sides of the counter) are familiar with your agency’s escort & safety procedures and follow the same procedure for each job. If you routinely follow a safety procedure any break in this routine can alert the agency that you may need help.
Always keep this information by the telephone.
Make sure the receptionist at the brothel knows if you do or do not do escorts. And if you do, are you happy to go to a house or just to motel/hotel?
Ugly Mug information
Keep an Ugly Mug Escort Book. This book should be updated with information on clients that other workers have had a problem with. Details on non-payment, time wasters and even rough handlers should be recorded in this book.
Before leaving the agency
Set some ground rules – For example,
7.2 of WorkCover’s ‘ACT Sex Industry Code Of Practice’ states; “Sex workers should be provided with mobile phones or personal alarms when going on outcalls.”
Arriving at the job
Ask the taxi driver to wait until you find out whether or not the client will answer the door. You don’t want to find yourself stranded in the suburbs in the middle of the night.
Ring the receptionist to tell them you’ve arrived.
Always get the money first. Put it in your bag or a pocket. Don’t leave it lying around. Keep an eye on your bag at all times, even taking it to the bathroom and toilet with you.
Do a quick security check to see if the client is alone. Check in other rooms, closets, out on balconies, etc. It is better to find the surprises now rather than having some of his friends spring out at you once you’re naked and he is on top of you.
Beware of hidden cameras. Sometimes the presence of a hidden camera will be given away by the small red recording light.
Don’t forget to do a STI check on the client.
Leaving the job
Always organise for the receptionist to phone you once the time is up. Make sure that she insists on speaking to you. If the client won’t let the receptionist speak to you this should indicate that something is wrong and the receptionist should follow emergency procedures.
Have the receptionist organise your taxi for you – this gives you time to have your shower and get ready to leave. (Remember to take your bag into the shower with you). Ask the taxi driver to knock on the door when he arrives.
Whenever possible wait inside with your client for your taxi to arrive. You don’t want to find yourself stranded, alone in the dark without a cab.
Training your receptionist
Although most parlours employ a receptionist to handle enquiries it is you who are ultimately responsible for your own safety. The receptionist should be trained to follow safety procedures which all the staff are happy with. SWOP is available to come out to workplaces and assist in safety training for receptionists and drivers.
Don’t be afraid to demand safety at work. If one agency is not meeting your safety requirements, maybe it is time to find one which does. Don’t let somebody else play with your life.
Personal security
Products like “mace” are illegal in the ACT. Even though you may be genuinely defending yourself, you can be charged with assault and possession of a prohibited substance.
You can buy personal alarms that produce either deafening noises or that spray your assailant with coloured paint. Look under personal security systems in the Yellow Pages.
Remember before you decide to carry a weapon that there is always the possibility it can be taken off you and used against you.
Think about self defence classes or taking up martial arts. Kickboxing gives you a better work out than aerobics!
SWOP can refer you to a self defence class in your area.
If you need any information or advice concerning the above information, please contact SWOP ACT.
Disclaimer: This information is of a general nature and is meant as a guide only. SWOP accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, currency, completeness or relevance for purpose of any material contained herein. SWOP recommends that workers exercise care when using the information and obtain professional advice appropriate to their circumstances.