#WeToo: The Experiences of Sex Workers who are Survivors of Sexual Violence in their Personal Lives

<p><strong>Employing a qualitative methodology and a sex worker’s rights lens, this thesis provides a valuable contribution to two bodies of literature on sex work and sexual violence. An abundance of existing literature infers that sexual violence is a precursor to sex work. However, very little research draws on the lived experiences of sex workers who are survivors of sexual violence. As such, this thesis contributes to knowledge by offering insight into the lived experiences of sex workers who are survivors of sexual violence in their personal lives. Specifically, this research examines how survivors experience sex work, the extent to which they feel able to disclose experiences of sexual harm alongside their sex work, and how they feel about the support available for survivors of sexual violence who are working in the sex industry. Drawing on data from in-depth interviews with eight sex workers and five key informants, this thesis highlights the nuances and complexities of participants experiences, and challenges simplistic generalisations about sex workers who are survivors of sexual violence. Participants reported a range of motivations for beginning sex work. A majority of participants rejected the narrative that sexual violence leads to sex work, and did not feel that their sex work negatively impacted them as a survivor. While participants were not ashamed of their sex work, several were reluctant to access support for their experiences of sexual harm, fearing the consequences of disclosure. However, those that had accessed support reported diverse experiences of accessing support, with some participants sharing positive experiences. Lastly, participants made recommendations to ensure adequate care for survivors of sexual violence working in the sex industry. The conclusion of this thesis is that the experiences of survivors engaged in sex work are diverse. Respecting these diverse realities is essential to resist stigma, support capacity for healing, and to foster support trauma informed, rights-based practice among professionals supporting survivors who are working in the sex industry.</strong></p>