Sex Trade

While there are some differences in the details, prostitution is illegal in most U.S. states and Canadian provinces, with the exception that in Canada it is illegal to communicate for the purposes of prostitution. This means getting caught talking about the act, naming the price, etc.

It is also important to pay attention to ages of consent. In Canada, the age of consent for sex is 14 and older. In the United States, age of consent depends on the State. See Cool Nurse for a list of consent ages by State. Not abiding by these laws can lead to criminal charges and jail terms for offenders.

No matter what, practice safer sex: Smarter Sex.

Be aware that some youth services/agencies have rules that will not allow them to work with youth involved in sex trade activities.

Remember, there is no "safe" way of working in the sex trade. There are very high risks of sexual assault and getting a sexually transmitted infection. There are a few things you can do to reduce your risks though:

• Trust your intuition, your gut feelings, when you get bad vibes from someone you just met. Don't go to someone's home unless you know and trust him. Know how to get out of uncomfortable situations and know where the closest working phone is. Always have a way out if he gets aggressive.
• Make sure you have at least a quarter and a bus ticket or cab fare with you at all times in case of emergency.
• If you work: Work with somebody. Have other worker(s) get a good look at his face and the license plate of the car and let them know how long you expect to be.
• Don't get into vans. You don't know how many or who's in the back. Going with a group of people you don't know alone is setting yourself up for assault.
• Be cautious about who you tell about your private life, where you live or where you hang out.
• Make sure your partner agrees to safer sex, do all negotiations before hand.
• Try not to carry a lot of money with you or keep the money in difference places on your body (in your underwear, shoes, purse)
• Having sex when you're really high means you're not in control and puts you more at risk
• If you have to, scream, use keys, nails or heels in self defense. Go for the throat, eyes, or balls. Try to get a good look at his face.
• Remember! A weapon carried on you can be used against you!
• If you get assaulted: Contact a friend you can trust. Always seek medical help. In some cities there are services specifically for youth sex trade workers that can be of help (e.g., Street Outreach Services). Also, youth workers at other agencies might be helpful. If you decide to contact the police, take someone with you for support.

If you get busted, co-operate, be polite and don't put up a fight. Give your name, address, and date of birth. Do not give any other information until you speak to a lawyer (see section on legal aid). Do not give false information - that's obstructing justice and is a more serious offence than a "communicating" charge (in Canada).