Police understanding and application of the concept of vulnerability in responding to the needs of sex workers in Wales

Funded by the All-Wales Policing Academic Collaboration. This research examines the ways in which the concept of vulnerability informs police understanding of, and responses to, the needs of sex workers in Wales. By administering an online survey to all four Welsh forces, this research has identified varied understandings of both sex work and vulnerability, and the ways in which these intersect. The key findings of the research identify issues related to the training received by police employees on the issue of sex work, as well as the complex barriers to engaging with sex workers that the police participants recognise. Whilst these barriers to engagement raise significant challenges in this area, the research identifies practice in Wales which is both innovative and aligned to national policing guidance. The practice discussed within is underpinned by the concept of vulnerability in various ways, including its emphasis on safeguarding and multi-agency working. The report provides a basis for ongoing discussions as to the most effective policing practice in responding to the needs of sex workers in Wales.