We surveyed sex-workers to see whether decriminalising sex work affects how often they use condoms with clients or the frequency of their STI testing. We found that the majority of sex workers in our study maintained high rates of condom use and regular sexual health testing following the decriminalisation of sex work in Victoria. These findings indicate that decriminalisation is unlikely to negatively influence sexual practices or STI testing, supporting policy reforms aimed at reducing stigma and improving health access for sex workers.
About the Study
In 2020 the Victorian Government conducted a targeted review to consider the decriminalisation of sex work in Victoria and the potential impacts on public health and human rights outcomes. The review found that the current regulation of sex work left many unprotected and the Victorian Government is now in the process of decriminalising sex work. This anonymous survey aims to help us understand how the proposed decriminalisation of sex work in Victoria may effect sex workers.
The survey aims to gauge the reactions of sex workers to decriminalisation and understand whether it may result in any changes to their sex work. Additionally, this survey will highlight any changes in behaviour, relating to sexual practices and STI/HIV testing, that may result from decriminalisation.
The results of this survey will help develop recommendations for navigating the next phase of sex work should the decriminalisation legislation pass.
Who we want to talk to
Active sex workers living in Victoria
What's involved
Completing an anonymous survey in English
Researchers
Principal investigator
Associate investigators
Research nurse
Publications
Examining the impact of decriminalisation on sex workers in Victoria, Australia: Results from an online survey
Tiffany R. Phillips, Christopher K. Fairley, Mish Pony, Dylan O’Hara, Kate Maddaford, Finn Mercury, Ranjit Samra, Basil Donovan, Eric Chow.
(2025), Science Direct,