​​How to respond sensitively to women’s money and financial needs:

• Understand that a woman may be driven to start selling sex as a way to get quick cash to cover immediate needs and essentials.
• If a woman you support was previously experiencing money issues and suddenly comes into money, be curious and explore where the money came from – ask if she has ever considered selling sex.
• If a woman discloses that she is selling sex, take a harm reduction approach – discuss safety planning and explore alternatives to alleviate some of her money issues.
• Ask about any specific financial issues and make sure she is getting advice around this – for example, how to deal with debt.
• Discuss other funds that may be able to assist her aside from benefits – e.g. food banks, support to pay for children’s expenses, crisis funds.
• Consider discussing budgeting with the woman to find ways to ensure her money stretches to cover all her needs.
• Be mindful of the dynamics of money – check whether the woman you are supporting is able to keep the money she is getting from selling sex or if others her are taking the earnings.
• Make sure to tap women into the Emergency Assistance Fund for crisis money – women involved in selling or exchanging sex may be eligible.
• Recognise that, even if a woman is OK with her involvement, there can be long term negative impacts – keep checking in with her to see if she needs support around this at any point.
• A woman’s circumstances may change and she may want to consider other options – make sure to support her to consider what she would like to do in the long and short term.