Sex work is an umbrella term for anyone who exchanges sexual services (this could be stripping, camming, selling underwear to BDSM, handjobs and sex – and everything in between), for payment or reward. This includes those who exchange sex for favours. We use the work “sex work” as it recognises that sex work is work – and sex workers are deserving of the same protections and human rights as any other worker.
Sex Workers Outreach Project New South Wales is run by and for sex workers. Our staff, leaders, and peer educators, bring lived experience and community knowledge to all aspects of our work.
Our services are for current or former sex workers in NSW. This includes people working across all sectors of the sex industry, such as street-based work, brothels, massage parlours, strip clubs, independent work, and online platforms. SWOP NSW are also here for people who exchange sex for favours.
SWOP NSW supports sex workers across metropolitan, regional, and remote areas in NSW through outreach, phone, email, and online services. If you live in a regional area and would like us to visit you, please get in touch.
Most aspects of sex work are decriminalised NSW. We can provide you with current information and support around navigating laws and regulations.
Yes. Under the NSW Public Health Act, sex workers can work with an STI or BBV and do not have to disclose, as long as they are taking reasonable precautions to prevent transmission.
More info about STIs and BBV for sex workers and clients here.
No one may employ a person under 18 as a sex worker. The law says someone under 18 is a child. It is a serious crime to:
The clients of under-age sex workers can also face serious criminal offences. If you operate sex services premises, you must make sure that sex workers are over 18.
The under-age sex worker cannot be charged as they are not committing an offence by working, only the person who employs them is. But Police and the Department of Community Services (DoCS) can use child protection laws to protect children who they believe are at risk of harm
Clients must be over 16. But someone under 18 cannot enter a sex services premises or ‘brothel’. SWOP NSW recommends that, for their own protection, sex workers should be cautious and only accept clients who are 18 or older.
If you are a sex worker interested in contributing to the community, attending our Annual General Meeting, or want to be generally involved, you can become a member of SWOP NSW.
If you are a sex worker who would like to be informed about news, workshops, and events, you can join the SWOP NSW mailing list to receive a fortnightly newsletter.
To become a member or join the mailing list you must be verified by SWOP NSW. If we are unable to verify you from the information you provide us when you sign up, we may need to verify you via phone call.
We provide:
Peer-led outreach means sex workers supporting other sex workers. Our outreach team provide practical, relevant, and up-to-date information based on lived experience and community knowledge.
SWOP NSW does not provide clinical medical care; however we can offer peerreviewed referrals to sex-worker friendly health services. We are currently partnered with Inner City Legal Centre (ICLC) and run fortnightly drop-in sessions on Mondays if you require legal advice.
View the SWOP Calendar
Yes, all SWOP NSW services can be accessed confidentially. You do not need to provide us with your real name to access support.
