Prostitution, including escorting, is legal in the UK if you’re 18 or over. However, irrespective of its legal status, you might realise that it’s not for you; you might realise this before you’ve started, or perhaps you might realise after.
It’s illegal in Scotland to pay for sexual acts from a person under 18 or to take, possess or distribute pornographic pictures of a person under the age of 18. It’s also illegal in Scotland to sexually groom a person under the age of 16.
If you’re under 18 and involved in prostitution you’re unlikely to be charged with an offence, however social work services are likely to be notified.
NHS Open Road believes that prostitution is harmful and results from a lack of life choices. We recognise that the reasons why you got involved are varied and personal to you. Perhaps you felt this was the easiest way to get money quickly, or perhaps your partner or others coerced you. You may have felt it’s something you were getting into with your eyes open but now makes you feel uncomfortable.
Even if you’re not thinking about exiting prostitution, we’d still like to offer you support and advice to maintain your health and safety.
Prostitution can take place in a variety of settings which may include on the street, in a flat, via a personal advert or through a website, to name just a few. The risks involved vary and may increase dependent on the setting. If you think you’re in a dangerous situation get out immediately and trust your gut instincts.
When someone pays you to perform a sexual act they will have particular expectations in mind. Know in advance what your boundaries are and what you’re prepared to do, and not to do. Negotiate with the person at the point of contact which of their requests you’re willing to perform.
We recognise that the requests you consent to are not mutually pleasurable and are dictated by the purchaser. The purchaser is more likely to be male than female, and we recognise also that your involvement does not reflect your sexual identity or preferences.