Escorts and the fight against human trafficking

Trafficking means recruiting, moving or holding a person using force, deception, threats or abuse of a position of vulnerability in order to exploit them. It happens in many sectors, including agriculture, construction, domestic work and the sex trade. In most definitions, consent obtained by coercion or deception is not valid consent, and the involvement of anyone under 18 in commercial sex is trafficking or exploitation by definition.

The difference is freedom and control. A professional who chooses to work, sets her own terms, keeps her earnings, can refuse clients and can stop at any time is not trafficked. Trafficking involves coercion, debt bondage, confiscated documents, violence, threats or confinement. Treating the two as the same causes harm in both directions: it can hide real victims, and it can put people who work by choice at greater risk.

People hold different views on how the law should treat sex work and on what best reduces exploitation, and the evidence is debated. This page does not take a position on legal models.

No single sign proves anything, but several together deserve attention:

• Someone who cannot move freely, leave or contact family and friends.
• Another person controls their money, phone, documents or schedule.
• They owe a debt that grows, or are told they must work to repay it.
• Signs of violence, fear, anxiety or being coached on what to say.
• They seem to be under 18 or give inconsistent answers.
• They do not know the city, the address or who is managing them.
• Advertising that appears to be run by someone else, with no way to speak to the person directly.

• Make sure everyone you work with is an adult, has consented and can leave freely.
• Keep your own earnings, documents and communications under your control.
• Know the advertising and agency rules where you work.
• If you see signs of exploitation among colleagues, speak up through safe channels.
• Share information with trusted peers about scams that use fake job offers.

Agencies should verify identity and age, keep clear written terms and never hold documents or charge unexplained fees.

Choose professionals who present themselves openly and communicate directly. Be wary of listings that look recycled, of third parties who refuse direct contact, and of anyone who seems afraid or controlled. If you have a concern, do not confront anyone; report it to the appropriate authority or an anti-trafficking organisation.

Look up the official anti-trafficking helpline for your country. Many countries have a free, confidential line, and national organisations or police units that handle trafficking cases. International bodies and specialised NGOs publish guidance on indicators and rights. If someone is in immediate danger, call the local emergency number.

Your Escort Website designs and optimises websites for independent escorts, agencies and massage salons. We work with adults who run their own businesses and we do not take part in anything that involves coercion. We will not build a site for anyone who we believe is exploiting other people.

More in the clients and business guides. See how to start as an escort safely and our FAQ.