Sex work and e-health in a rural context

Abstract

Recent advances in telecommunications technology have altered the organisation and structure of sex work and increased the geographic and population reach of the sex industry. Notable has been the growth of escort services in rural areas, which has diversified the rural sex industry from its traditional base of brothel operations. Recent research suggests rural sex the experiences of rural sexworkers is distinct from their urban and suburban counterparts, and this may create challenges and opportunities for the delivery of sexual health services and education for both clients and escorts. The general absence of street prostitution in rural settings has meant that the profile of rural sex workers tends to resemble that of escorts or call girls in urban settings, with workers having a relatively high level of control over working conditions and compliance with emerging public health and education initiatives. Important health issues which impact upon the rural sex workers include safety access to services, violence and occupational health and safety. The paper argues that given issues associated with confidentiality and privacy in rural settings, e-health provides new opportunities to provide online sexual health services to socially stigmatised and geographically isolated populations irrespective of gender, age, sexual orientation and location. We will showcase a website that offers new ways of presenting empowering information for both escorts and clients.