Defining violation: sex-worker experiences of unwanted incidents

This chapter explores two primary questions: What range of unwanted contact incidents do sex workers most frequently encounter? Moreover, how does the law influence their understanding, interpretation, and definition of these incidents? We highlight the concept of transactional legal consciousness, distinguishing it from rape consciousness, to explain how sex workers perceive violations within the negotiated context of selling sex. The chapter analyses qualitative and quantitative data on common types of violations, such as payment issues and stealthing, and less common violations involving injury. It also examines the role of legal alienation in shaping sex workers’ responses. The chapter first defines and categorises types of violations, then explores sex workers’ perceptions and interpretations, and finally discusses the implications of transactional legal consciousness in managing these experiences.