Violence in sex work extends to more than risks from clients

EDITOR—Church et al report that violence by clients was strongly associated with street prostitution in three British cities.1 Although they say that violence in sex work has seldom been the focus of public and academic interest, it has been extensively documented in much of the historical and contemporary literature.2^–3 Moreover, they simplify the situation by focusing exclusively on violence by clients. In a survey we conducted in London (1989-91), 112 (58%) out of 193 women reported previous assault; these women worked in all sectors of the industry, including 57% of indoor and 68% of street workers. Women reported that 40% of recent assaults were by clients.

Survey data are defined by the pre-existing knowledge and concerns of the investigators. We interpreted material from …