***Sex Work Survey***

[samlad]

Hi everyone,

We have received an email from Dr. Susann Huschke of Queen's University in Belfast. She and a team of researchers are are undergoing a study of the sex industry in Northern Ireland and this is commissioned by the Department of Justice so that there is a detailed understanding of the sex industry.

Dr. Huschke and her team are looking to interview people that either pay for or sell sexual services in Northern Ireland and this information will be invaluable towards this research. Please find below all the necessary information and please do feel free to contact Dr. Huschke should you have any further questions.

Please do pass on this information to anyone that you think may be able to contribute towards this research; any contributions would be appreciated by the research team.

Thank you

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STUDY ON PROSTITUTION IN NORTHERN IRELAND

What is this about?

We are doing research on the sex industry in Northern Ireland. The project was commissioned by the Department of Justice and aims to provide a detailed understanding of the sex industry (i.e. who sells which services where and why, and to whom). The findings from the may be used to inform policy and debate within Northern Ireland.

How can you help?

We are looking for people to interview – both people who sell and who buy sex. All interviews are anonymous and confidential. We don’t need to know your real name. If we use quotes or information from the interview in the report we will write, they will be anonymized so that that your are not identified.

Who are we?

We are a team of researchers based at Queen’s University Belfast and at the National University of Ireland in Galway. Most of the interviews will be undertaken by Susann Huschke. If you would prefer to be interviewed by a male researcher, this can be arranged.

What’s in it for you?

You will not be paid to participate in this research project. The interviews are important in terms of informing debate and giving voice to those who sell and pay for sex. This is an opportunity for you to have your voice, experience and issues heard. You are free to not answer questions that make you uncomfortable, and to withdraw from the study at any stage (we will then not use the interview in any material that we produce).

Are there other ways of participating?

At a later stage, we will also be doing a survey which can be filled out online anonymously. Both the interviews and the survey are essential and important parts of the study, if you are interested in taking part in one or the other, or both, or if you have any further questions, please contact me via email:

Dr Susann Huschke
Queen’s University Belfast
Email: sexwork.research.NI@gmail.com
Phone: +44(0) 28 9097 5155

[Davidontour]

Just to say I'm taking part in this study as a client and will do a full post tomorrow.

It's important that as many voices as possible are heard on this issue, so do please consider participating. The people best placed to comment are sex workers and clients and sharing your experiences, whether good or bad, could make a real difference to the debate.

[Countrygent]

I cant do Face to face because I know quite a few QUB researchers...but will do the online survey.

[Davidontour]

I cant do Face to face because I know quite a few QUB researchers...but will do the online survey.

There will be a choice of interviewers, including Susann herself. If you have concerns regarding anonymity, it's worth contacting her by phone or email. There will no pressure to attend. Completing the survey will definitely help too.

[Countrygent]

I know her and around 20 research staff cant take a chance.

[Laura Lee]

This is HUGELY important and the more that take part the better.

I know Susann is an impartial, dedicated and consummate professional and anonymity is not an issue.
I'm taking part next time I visit Belfast and would strongly encourage other sex workers to take part too,
ditto clients.

[Davidontour]

I've done my interview with Susann and just wanted to give you a little idea of what to expect.

My interview was held in her Belfast city centre office but can be arranged in another private venue of your choice. You can choose to see a male researcher if you prefer and can remain entirely anonymous. There is absolutely no pressure -- it's an informal interview and you will have ample time to put your points across. Oh and free coffee...

An hour should be sufficient. The fact that I was there for nearly two says more about my ability to talk than any particular necessity.

The interview is question-led, but you can choose not to answer particular questions if you prefer. You can choose to have it recorded or for the researcher to take written notes instead. The aim is to focus on your own personal experiences as a sex worker or client, highlighting both the good and bad sides you may have encountered.

There are so many voices in this debate who have absolutely no experience or realistic idea of what sex work involves. These voices need to be counter-balanced by the people who know what we're talking about. That's you and I -- sex workers and clients. This neutral study is an ideal and very important opportunity for you to have your say, so do please go or at the very least complete the survey when it becomes available.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the process, feel free to PM me. Otherwise you can contact Susann via phone or email.

[Sexy Sandy 69]

Susann emailed me this morning, an online survey should be available within the next 2 weeks, so for those who don't want to do face to face, there this is option.

One voice may not be listened to, but if we all shout loud enough together, we could possibly make a huge difference.

Sandy x

[Sexy Sandy 69]

Is there an option for a telephone interview, not able to meet face to face either.
I know the researchers will be strict about privacy but for my own reasons I would not like to meet face to face.
Also is the online interview just as valuable to the research as the in person interview?

In her reply, Susann says that they will be doing the research by face to face interviews & by the online survey, so I assume that all the information gathered will be collated & submitted as the whole of the research paper. Obviously for protocol reasons they will have to mention in the paper what % of info was obtained from face to face interviews & % from the online survey, to validate the research project.

I know from past experience, that once this research is completed & submitted, these stats can & will available for anyone undertaking future research into the sex industry, so not only could it have implications for Ireland but any other country could also use these findings to oppose the Swedish Model if it was being proposed by their country.

It's vitally important that as many as possible partake in this research & stand up to have a right to visit or work as escorts of our free will.

Sandy x

[Curvaceous Kate]

I think they are looking for a minimum of 10 clients and 10 Escorts face to face and the rest by online survey. The face to face takes approx an hour and a half, so it is quite in depth. I think it is clients that they will have the most problems getting hold of face to face, so I can not stress enough how important it is that any clients on here, that feel they could do this put themselves forward. It is totally anonymous and they will not use anything you say without your express permission.

You do not have to go to the University, the lady will meet you where ever you feel best comfortable and you do not have to use your real name or your working/client name.