It is important that journalists and writers write about sex work and sex workers in South Africa to raise awareness of these issues. Yet, regrettably, some publications have reported on sex work inaccurately or have compounded the stigma or stereotypes that attach to sex work.
This guide was produced to help journalists and writers to report on sex work in South Africa in a respectful and sensitive way. It sets out basic facts about the sex work industry and contains sections on appropriate terminology, use of images, and respectful interviewing techniques.
The publication discusses how the illegal status of sex work in South Africa means that sex workers have little legal protection and are criminalised and stigmatised. This makes sex workers more vulnerable to assault by clients, pimps, and brothel keepers, as well as harassment by the police. It also places them at greater risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and affects their ability to obtain quality treatment.
The Guide includes the following chapters:
- Why the need for a guide to reporting on sex work?
- What is sex work?
- Who are sex workers?
- What does the South African law say about sex work?
- How does criminalisation affect sex workers?
- What are the effects of decriminalisation of sex work?
- Is sex work the same as human trafficking or child prostitution?
- Interviewing sex workers, and reporting on sex work
- Common media pitfalls when reporting on sex work
- Responsible reporting on sex work
- Images tell the story
- Relevant organisations to contact
- Glossary of terms
- Appendix A: Facts about sex work and HIV
- Appendix B: Sample Interview Consent Form.