What is sex work?
Based on the Anglo-American term “sex worker”, terms such as “sex worker” increasingly emerged in German-speaking countries “sexual
Service"
or “Sex work“, which describe the offering and performance of an erotic and/or sexual service.
Regardless of whether the term prostitution or sex work is used, it is one of at least two adults consensual, agreed sexual service for payment.
The people involved in sex work are not just women, although they are the vast majority.
A sexual service is always one voluntary workt, which clearly distinguishes itself linguistically from forms of sexual exploitation such as forced prostitution or human trafficking.
As a sex worker, you determine the type of sex service you offer. In order to be able to offer sexual services, you must register with the commercial social insurance
as well as at Tax office
report and then work as New self-employed person. Likewise, you have to be at the Health Department
report and consequently all 6 weeks
one Investigation
undergo.
The Regulations of the individual federal states
regarding the practice of sex work not uniform. It is very important that politicians take action and introduce transparent and uniform prostitution laws throughout Austria.
The complexity of the profession of sex worker becomes clear in the complexity of the job titles used by sex workers themselves: call girl/boy, escort, dominatrix, whore, hustler, bizarre lady, erotic masseur.
The working realities and individual everyday work of people working in sex work are as varied as the names.
Sex work can be done in different work segments
such as a categorization according to the location where prostitution is carried out (street prostitution vs. various indoor work areas) or according to the range of services (BDSM vs. erotic massage).The boundaries between these places of work and fields of work are permeable and can be varied in many ways. For example, a BDSM offer from a designated dominatrix studio can also be available during an erotic massage.
Each individual sex work segment has its own characteristics, which should ideally fit your own personality, expectations of the work and your own current and practical knowledge.
Many sex workers pursue their activity full-time, for some it serves as a varied sideline. What they all have in common is this conscious decision to do this activity, be it out of personal inclination or as a way to earn enough money (for example for the family).
Sex work is a very personal service that is sometimes very demanding and strenuous. It is work that requires, above all, empathy, flexibility and concentration.
Among other things, it is about the emotional, physical and social needs of customers such as closeness and care, touch, recognition and acceptance, sex, communication, fulfillment of special fantasies, relaxation or increasing joy in life.
The requirements and necessary skills of sex workers are
comparable
m
it socially recognized
Professional fields of nursing staff, psychologists or social workers
, which require a high level of empathy and/or physical effort.
The interpersonal aspect plays a central role in dealing with customers. Every sex worker develops a goal-oriented approach to customers in which an employment relationship with the customers is maintained.
A particularly important skill is communication, as well as a certain level of negotiation skills and recognizing one's own boundaries.
In addition, it is very helpful to enjoy sexuality, touch and closeness with different people.
It would be desirable if sex work were socially recognized as a valuable and important part of care work.
In a social context, it should also be natural and accepted to be able to declare “sex worker” as a profession.