Precarity Factors of Street-Based Sex Work Within Criminalised Contexts: A Study in Athens, Greece

This community research study aims to investigate the intersecting self-identified precarity factors and identities associated with street-based sex work in a criminalised context, specifically in Athens, Greece, to improve the effectiveness of individualised care interventions. Interviews of 264 cis and trans female sex workers were conducted from June 2021 to December 2022, at a community day centre for sex workers in Athens. The community-based precarity index for sex workers was used, which was developed at the community centre, using factors identified by sex workers themselves. Street-based sex workers more commonly reported interrelated precarious factors, such as perceived problematic substance use, homelessness, client violence, medical issues, and trouble with the police. Trans and refugee identities were both associated with street-based sex work as well. Harm reduction, gender-affirmative and multilingual and multicultural interventions are essential in street-based sex work intervention programs. Decriminalisation of sex work is recommended to reduce the harms and risks associated with sex work.