Safety nets, crisis helplines, organizations and associations for sex workers: help, protection and support Worldwide in 2026

Support organizations in the USA, Europe, Australia, and Asia for sex workers: you are not alone

Updated: 2026.01.16.

Sex work, adult work, and escort jobs - whether occasional or longer term - can bring far more situations than anyone might first imagine. Most days pass without problems, yet there can be times when you need external help.

These organizations exist to provide support, information, protection, and possible solutions, even if you feel uncertain, afraid, or simply do not know what to do next. You do not have to contact them only as a last resort - often a single question or a phone call can help you see things more clearly.

As a sex worker, you may encounter a violent client, threats, blackmail, or exploitation, and this also includes health, legal, or mental health issues. You might get caught up in a matter involving the authorities, or you may simply want to talk to someone who understands your situation and will not judge.

It is important to know that you are not alone, and you do not have to solve everything by yourself. Among the organizations listed are civil associations specifically working with sex workers, state-run victim support services, crisis helplines, and sexual health and prevention services. Each can help with different kinds of problems.

Asking for help is not a weakness, but a conscious decision. Whether you work in the USA, Europe, Australia, Asia, these contacts can be a safety net in an unexpected situation. It is worth saving them in advance so you do not have to search in a panic if needed.

This list summarises worldwide support organizations, services, and official institutions that sex workers can turn to if violence, threats, exploitation, health issues, or a crisis situation arises.

We hope you will never need them - but it is important to know where to turn for help.

United States of America

In the United States, laws and regulations around sex work and prostitution vary by state. Despite this, several national and regional organizations, helplines, and services provide support, information, protection, and health services for sex workers and people working in the adult industry.

1. HIPS

Provides direct outreach, harm reduction, crisis support, and access to health and social services for sex workers and people in the adult industry in Washington, D.C. Known for practical, street-level and online support.

Toll-free number: +1 800 676 4477
Website: www.hips.org

2. Red Canary Song

Organization led by and for migrant and Asian sex workers in the U.S. Provides crisis support, community assistance, and advocacy, particularly relevant for non-citizens and migrants.

Website: www.redcanarysong.net

3. The National Human Trafficking Hotline

Provides confidential support, information, and referrals for people experiencing or at risk of trafficking or exploitation. You do not need to be sure your situation qualifies.

Toll-free number: +1 888 373 7888
Text: 233733
Website: www.humantraffickinghotline.org

4. RAINN 🚨

The largest anti-sexual violence organization in the U.S. that operates a 24/7 confidential hotline and chat for survivors of sexual assault, abuse, or coercion.

Toll-free number: +1 800 656 HOPE
Website: www.rainn.org

5. VictimConnect

National referral helpline funded by the U.S. Department of Justice. Helps victims of crime understand their options and connects them to local and national services. Police involvement is not required.

Toll-free number: +1 855 484 2846
Website: www.victimconnect.org

6. SWOP Behind Bars

Supports current and formerly incarcerated sex workers through advocacy, mutual aid, and re-entry support. Important resource for those affected by criminalisation.

Website: www.swopbehindbars.org

7. Planned Parenthood 🩺

Provides sexual and reproductive health services across the U.S., including STI testing, contraception, HIV prevention (PrEP/PEP), and counselling. Widely used by sex workers.

Website: www.plannedparenthood.org

Europe

Across Europe, the legal status of sex work varies widely from country to country, ranging from legal and regulated to partially or fully criminalized. Despite these differences, there are European and national organizations that provide support, information, protection, and health services for sex workers and people working in the adult industry.

1. ESWA

International Committee on the Rights of Sex Workers in Europe is a sex worker–led network advocating for rights, safety, health, and decriminalization across Europe. It also serves as a reference point for trusted national organizations.

Website: www.sexworkeurope.org

2. LEFÖ-IBF in Austria

Austria-based organization with international recognition providing confidential support to victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation, including migrants and non-citizens. Frequently used as a reference organization in Central Europe.

Website: www.lefoe.at

3. Hydra e.V. in Germany

German organization working directly with sex workers, offering counselling, legal information, crisis support, and advocacy. Known for practical, non-judgemental assistance.

Phone number: +49 30 611 00 23
Website: www.hydra-berlin.de

4. ProCoRe - National Network for Sex Work (Switzerland)

Swiss national network bringing together organizations and services that work directly with sex workers. ProCoRe focuses on improving access to healthcare, counselling, legal information, and social support, and promotes coordination between local support services across Switzerland.

Phone number: +41 32 466 66 44
Website: www.procore-info.ch

5. Pro Sentret in Norway

Norwegian centre offering social, legal, and health-related support for sex workers. Experienced in assisting workers affected by the Nordic model and law enforcement pressure.

Phone number: +47 23 100 200
Website: www.prosentret.no

United Kingdom

While independent sex work in private is lawful in the United Kingdom, other aspects of the industry are restricted by law, which can create safety and legal challenges. In this context, several organizations exist to offer support, information, protection, and guidance for sex workers.

1. National Ugly Mugs (NUM)

UK-wide charity working with sex workers to improve safety, provide reporting tools for dangerous clients, and offer support services (casework, victim support, mental health resources).

Toll-free number: +44 800 464 7669
Website: www.nationaluglymugs.org

2. SWARM Collective

Sex worker-led collective focusing on rights, safety, and access to justice. Offers peer support, resources, advocacy, and information for sex workers across the UK.

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.swarmcollective.org

3. Samaritans 🚨

24/7 confidential emotional support for anyone experiencing distress, anxiety, or crisis. Not sex-work specific, but widely used by sex workers in difficult situations.

Toll-free number: 116 123
Website: www.samaritans.org

4. English Collective of Prostitutes

Long-standing organization campaigning for sex workers’ rights, decriminalisation, and protection from violence. Provides advice and advocacy, especially in cases involving authorities or legal issues.

Phone number: +44 20 7482 2496
Website: www.prostitutescollective.net

5. Beyond the Streets

UK charity supporting people affected by sexual exploitation, trafficking, and coercion. Offers confidential helpline support and access to specialist services.

Toll-free number: +44 800 133 7870
Website: www.beyondthestreets.org.uk

6. Victim Support

Independent national charity offering free, confidential emotional and practical support to victims of crime - including violence, threats, stalking, blackmail, and exploitation.

Toll-free number: +44 808 168 9111
Website: www.victimsupport.org.uk

7. Terrence Higgins Trust

UK-wide sexual health charity providing HIV and STI information, testing guidance, prevention support, and health advice relevant to sex workers.

Toll-free number: +44 808 802 1221
Website: www.tht.org.uk

8. NHS and public sexual health services

Free and confidential sexual health and prevention services, including STI testing, contraception, PrEP/PEP, and advice. In most cases, services are available without a GP referral.

Website: www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/

9. Sex Workers Alliance Ireland

National organization advocating for the rights, safety, and health of sex workers in Ireland. Provides peer support and practical resources.

Website: www.sexworkersallianceireland.org

Asia

Across Asia, laws related to sex work vary significantly and are often restrictive. In many countries, sex workers face criminalization, stigma, or limited access to protection. Despite this, there are regional and national organizations that provide support, health services, crisis assistance, and referrals for sex workers and people working in the adult industry.

1. APNSW

Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW) is a regional, sex worker–led network representing organizations across Asia and the Pacific. It works on safety, health, human rights, and access to services, and can help direct individuals to trusted local member organizations in their country.

Phone number: +66 2 000 7052
Website: www.apnsw.info

2. EMPowER Foundation (Thailand)

Thai sex worker-led organization providing peer support, legal information, health education, and advocacy.

Phone number: +66 53 282 504
Website: www.empowerlibrary.online

3. SWING – Service Workers IN Group (Thailand)

Community-based organization in Thailand supporting sex workers of all genders with health services, STI/HIV prevention, counselling, and crisis referrals. Especially strong in outreach to bar workers, freelancers, and migrants.

Phone number: +66 2632 9501 (Clinic)
Website: www.swingthailand.org

4. SANGRAM (India)

Indian organization working with sex workers on health, legal literacy, crisis support, and violence prevention. Strong focus on empowerment rather than rescue-based models.

Website: www.sangram.org

5. SWASH (Japan)

SWASH is a Japan-based nonprofit organization focused on sex work and sexual health, providing evidence-based information, research, and education for people working in the adult industry. It supports sex workers by offering stigma-free health guidance, safety knowledge, and practical information without involving law enforcement or rescue-based interventions.

Website: www.swashweb.net

6. UNAIDS Asia Pacific 🩺 (health & referral)

Regional office of UNAIDS providing HIV/STI prevention information, health resources, and links to partner organizations working with sex workers and key populations across Asia; primarily a referral and information hub rather than a direct support service.

Website: www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/asiaandpacific

Australia

Sex work in Australia is regulated at the state and territory level, with laws ranging from decriminalization to licensing models. Despite these differences, Australia has a strong network of sex worker–led peer organizations, alongside national crisis and health helplines that are commonly used by people working in the adult industry.

1. Scarlet Alliance

Australia’s national peak body for sex workers. Scarlet Alliance advocates for rights, safety, health, and decriminalization, and connects individuals to trusted state-based peer organizations and resources.

Website: www.scarletalliance.org.au

2. SWOP NSW

Sex Workers Outreach Project (NSW) provides peer-led support, safety information, health referrals, and advocacy for sex workers in New South Wales, where sex work is decriminalized.

Website: www.swop.org.au

3. Vixen Collective

Organization led by sex workers for sex workers in Victoria with workplace rights information, safety resources, legal advocacy, and peer support.

Website: www.vixen.org.au

4. Respect Inc

Queensland-based organization providing support, education, and advocacy for sex workers, particularly important in a partially criminalized environment.

Website: www.respectqld.org.au

5. Magenta

Peer organization supporting sex workers in Western Australia with health education, safety strategies, outreach, and referrals.

Phone numbers: +61 8 9328 1387, or +61 8 9227 9606
Website: www.magenta.org.au

6. 1800RESPECT 🚨

National 24/7 confidential helpline for sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and harassment. Not sex-work specific, but frequently used by sex workers experiencing violence or coercion.

Toll-free number: 1800 737 732
Website: www.1800respect.org.au

Important

You do not have to prove that you are in trouble. You do not have to be ashamed.
These organizations are here to help, not to judge. If you feel in danger, ask for help immediately.