ne big question in the sex industry is how does the law see refusal to pay a sex worker for services? What would happen if you had sex, and when asked for the cash, you told them ‘no’? To put it crudely, many see it as a debate on whether it is ‘rape or shoplifting’. Well, as this is an escort website, it is important that we offer advice on what the rules and regulations are. This is not for punters who are thinking of chancing their arm. This is for the sex workers who are affected by scum taking advantage; they need to know where to go and what they can expect.
Rape is Rape
Firstly, let’s get this one out of the way. No matter where you are, if you forcibly have sex with a sex worker, whether you have the intention of paying her (or him) or not, then you are going to be up on a rape charge. It is as simple as that. If you do it, you are committing an act of sexual violence. It matters not that you are doing it to an sex worker, you deserve everything that is coming to you.
Now this is where things get more complicated, and it all depends on what country you are working in.
Firstly, all sex workers should ask for money up front. If they don’t, they leave themselves open to getting ripped off by dodgy punters. If a punter says they will pay you after, ask for the cash and if they won’t, ask them to leave.
However, everyone makes mistakes and occasions can arise where the money isn’t paid.
Differences By Country
In Ireland, it is illegal to pay for sex. Therefore, sadly, there is no legal recourse when it comes to getting justice. The court can’t give you cash you are owed if the law says it is illegal for you to receive it. It may not sound fair, but we all know the law in Ireland regarding the purchasing of sex is stupid.
But what happens elsewhere in the United Kingdom in this kind of situation? Well in England, Scotland, and Wales, at the time of writing, it isn’t illegal to pay for sex. Therefore you do have legal recourse.
However, here is the catch. This will be seen as fraud, but will be a civil matter, and not a criminal one. Picture it like a plumber who turns up to fix a leak, and you decide to not bother paying at the end when the service is complete. In all likelihood, you will be sued. It is the same with sex. You offer the sex, and then afterwards the guy walks. You are owed that cash.
‘But is this not rape’ you may ask? Well, no. The sex worker has agreed to the sex. The fact that she hasn’t been paid for it is a business transaction gone wrong in the eyes of the law. You can’t retrospectively withdraw consent, even if you think it has been done under false pretences. If that was the case, you would have women going to court to complain that the guy they met at the nightclub worked in a call centre, and wasn’t in fact a professional footballer.
Safety is the Key
As I said above, the best way for an escort to not have to deal with this is to get the person to pay up front. If they don’t do that, don’t offer the service.
And remember, if you are forcibly attacked, that is rape, no matter what jurisdiction you are in. Complain and get justice.
We hope that was useful for you, and of course, we sincerely hope that neither scenario happens to you.
Since then, he has specialised in articles on the battle for equal rights for sex workers, sexual health, as well as bringing the readers fun news from around the world. He also has a major interest in LGBT rights, and is an active campaigner in this field.
When he isn't fighting the good fight, he enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, and young daughter. He also enjoys reading and taking long walks.
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