Legal consciousness and sex work : towards more inclusive policy

Scoular, Jane and Gyurko, Fanni and Brents, Barbara G. and Sanders, Teela and Abel, Gillian; Sanders, Teela and Scoular, Jane and Brents, Barbara G. and Balderston, Susie and Abel, Gillian, eds. (2025) Legal consciousness and sex work : towards more inclusive policy. In: Voicing Consent. Palgrave Macmillan Ltd., Cham, pp. 191-209. ISBN 9783031777158 (https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-77715-8_8)

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Abstract

The concluding chapter synthesises the findings from the entire book, emphasising the need for legal frameworks that respect the dynamic nature of consent in sex work. It highlights the disparities between legal definitions and the lived realities of sex workers, calling for inclusive policies that empower sex workers and enhance their safety. The chapter addresses the key themes of empowerment, peer communication, and opportunities for learning, as crucial elements for managing and responding to unwanted sexual contact. The chapter structure follows a comprehensive summary of key findings, a discussion of the implications for policy and practice, and final recommendations for legal reforms and support mechanisms.

ORCID iDs

Scoular, Jane ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6686-6494, Gyurko, Fanni, Brents, Barbara G., Sanders, Teela and Abel, Gillian; Sanders, Teela, Scoular, Jane, Brents, Barbara G., Balderston, Susie and Abel, Gillian