What to do if…

I am asked for something that shocks me or makes me uncomfortable

Human sexuality is diverse. Some requests may surprise you or make you uncomfortable without being legally problematic.

You are never obliged to accept a practice that doesn’t suit you.

Your comfort, your safety, your boundaries and your values are essential elements of your professional activity. A refusal does not need to be justified.

If a request shocks you or makes you uncomfortable:

• take the time to listen to how you feel.
• don’t feel obliged to answer immediately.
• turn down the booking if you don’t feel comfortable.
• end the conversation if the person insists or doesn’t respect your answer.

It is possible to respect other people’s preferences while choosing not to take part in them.

I am asked for something that seems illegal to me

As a professional, some requests may expose you to legal risks, even when they are presented as fantasies, games or role-play.

If you have any doubt:

• don’t commit to the booking until the situation has been clarified.
• seek information from reliable sources or support organisations.
• keep in mind that accepting a request can sometimes make you personally liable.

In Switzerland, certain situations are clearly prohibited, in particular any sexual activity involving minors, animals or drugs.

Some people may also send texts, scenarios, images or videos involving minors. Do not forward this type of content to anyone else, even with the intention of asking for advice or alerting someone. Sharing such content can itself have legal consequences. The Swiss authorities recommend not downloading, saving or distributing this type of material.

If you receive content that worries you, contact a specialised organisation or the police directly to get guidance on what to do.

When you are not sure whether a practice is legal, the safest option is to refuse or postpone your decision until you have enough information.

I am asked for a service involving a person who cannot consent

A person who is asleep, unconscious, heavily intoxicated, under the influence of certain substances or unable to clearly express their will cannot freely consent to sexual activity.

Any sexual activity carried out without consent constitutes sexual assault.

If a request involves a person who is not able to consent:

• turn down the booking.
• do not take part in any sexual activity involving this person.
• if you witness a worrying situation, put the safety of the person concerned first and seek help if necessary.
• in case of immediate danger, call the emergency services.

If you believe someone is the victim of sexual assault or is in a situation of serious vulnerability, your priority should be their safety and their access to appropriate help.

I am asked to inflict bodily harm

Some people seek out practices involving pain or a risk of injury.

If a request carries a significant risk to a person’s physical integrity, it is advisable to consider it carefully because, even with the client’s consent, it is the person inflicting the injuries who is held responsible if something goes wrong.

Before accepting a practice:

• make sure it matches your skills and your boundaries.
• assess the risks to your own safety and that of your client.
• do not accept practices likely to cause serious or permanent injury, or that endanger health.

You always have the right to refuse a request that seems too risky or goes beyond your comfort zone.

What should I do if the escort I’m meeting seems to be a minor?

If you are a client and the person you are meeting appears to be a minor, stop the meeting and refrain from any sexual activity.

If the person says they are of age but doubt remains, it is better to cancel the booking.

Protecting minors is a collective responsibility. If the situation seems worrying to you, you can contact the relevant authorities or a specialised organisation for advice.

I am worried about someone

Sometimes a situation may concern you in particular. For example, you may have the impression that a person is working under duress, seems heavily dependent on a third party, does not appear free to make their own choices, shows signs of serious distress or is in a situation of extreme precarity.

You don’t need to be certain of what is happening to ask for advice.

If you fear that someone is a victim of human trafficking or another form of exploitation, there are specialised organisations that can support you and guide you through the next steps.

In French-speaking Switzerland, you can contact Aspasie (022 732 68 28) or Astrée (021 631 03 00). In German-speaking Switzerland, you can contact FIZ. You will also find plenty of information and resources on the Swiss platform against human trafficking.

If you are in contact with the person concerned, you can give them the details of a local sex worker support organisation.

If a person is unable to contact an organisation themselves, or if you are worried about their safety, you can write to us. We will try to get in touch with them.