High rates of violence and low police reporting amongst sex workers in the Netherlands during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Introduction During the COVID-19 pandemic, sex work in the Netherlands was forbidden for many months, yet most sex workers were not eligible for governmental financial support. Therefore, many were forced to continue working illegally, likely leading to unsafe work conditions. We determined sex workers’ experienced violence and police reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Data were collected through an online, anonymous survey (N = 173) covering background characteristics, the financial impact of the COVID-19 control measures, experienced sexual and/or physical violence, and police reporting in relation to experienced violence in 2021. We analyzed the data through descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analysis. Contextualization was achieved through online focus group discussions (FGDs; N = 3 covering a total of 14 sex workers and 4 social/health workers). Results In total, 41% (n/N = 71/173) of sex workers reported at least one form of violence, and those facing severe financial problems due to the COVID-19 containment measures were significantly more likely to report violence (adjusted OR: 2.7, CI 1.0–7.2, p = 0.049) compared to those without financial problems. Only 9% of those having reason to file charges officially did so. FGDs explained that violence was high due to the unsafe working conditions, and police reporting was low because police were more concerned with enforcing COVID-19 sex work restrictions rather than with prioritizing the safety and well-being of sex workers. Discussion We found high rates of reported violence and low police reporting among sex workers in The Netherlands during the COVID-19 pandemic, and COVID-19 control measures and enforcement likely contributed to these unsafe conditions. Safeguarding the safety of sex workers during future crises demands legislation grounded in human rights principles. This includes measures such as mitigating income loss during prohibition of sex work, and shifting police focus towards protecting rather than prosecuting sex workers engaged in illegal sex work.