Sex Industry Survey, Melbourne, 1994

This is one of the largest studies of sex workers ever undertaken in a single location. The aims of the study were twofold. The first was to obtain a profile of sex workers in Victoria which would challenge the myths and stereotypes of sex workers that are held by the community and reinforced by the media. The second was to examine the safe and unsafe practices of sex workers and their clients in order to plan education and intervention strategies which would reduce risks of HIV and other STDs. The main variables included: previous employment; reason for entering the sex industry; age started working in the industry; where in the industry have worked; where currently working; number of clients seen in an average week; most common fantasy request; current non-work sexual relationships; sexual preferences; feelings of safety; feelings of intimidation; average weekly earnings from sex work; other paid work; recent use of drugs; abuse as child; abuse now; contraceptive use; safe sex practices at work and at home; history of STDs; health check frequencies and venues; feelings of discrimination by health care services; feelings about working in the industry. Background variables include: age; sex; sexual preferences; ethnicity; marital status; education level; and religion.