Examining the impact of decriminalisation on sex workers in Victoria, Australia: Results from an online survey

Abstract

Abstract Objective: This survey aimed to examine the impact of decriminalisation on rates of sex worker’s condom use with clients, and sexually transmissible infection/blood-borne virus (STI/BBV) testing. Methods: An anonymous, mixed-methods, online survey among sex workers in Victoria, Australia (December 2022-April 2023). This survey asked about changes in condom use and STI/BBV testing following decriminalisation. Results: 101 participants were included in the study. Median age of participants was 29 years (IQR: 25-33), the majority of participants spoke English (97; 96.0%) and had worked in sex work for at least a year (87; 87.0%). Following decriminalisation, the majority of participants reported no change to condom use for giving oral sex (81/92; 88.0%), receiving oral sex (79/87; 90.8%), receptive vaginal sex (73/80; 91.3%), insertive vaginal sex (37/41; 90.2%), receptive anal sex (45/50; 90.0%) or insertive anal sex (37/42; 88.1%). Most participants did not change their testing frequency for STI/BBV (60/99; 60.6%). Free text responses included positive, neutral and fearful aspects of decriminalisation. Conclusion: The majority of sex workers maintained high rates of condom use and regular sexual health testing following the decriminalisation of sex work in Victoria. Implications for Public Health: These findings suggest that decriminalisation may not negatively affect sex practices or STI testing, supporting policy changes to reduce stigma and enhance health access for sex workers. Key words: transactional sex, human rights, women, labor rights, occupational health and safety, sex legislation