Stigma, Safety, and Support: A Comprehensive Analysis of Sex Worker Wellbeing in Germany, 2024

This study investigated the health and well-being of sex workers in Germany using the 2024 Erobella Sex Worker Wellbeing Survey, a cross-sectional analysis of over 270 responses collected from May 2024 to January 2025. Findings indicate that 70-80% report good or very good physical health linked to mandatory health checks, yet 20-30% experience medium to poor mental health due to stigma, isolation, and workplace stress. Approximately 60% face discrimination, 40% report safety threats, and 20-30% encounter healthcare barriers due to cost and stigma, notably for STI testing. Social support, valued at 60%, was absent at 30%. Digital sex work, adopted by 20%, reduces physical risks (80% feel safe), but increases mental strain from online harassment and isolation. Despite the 2017 Prostitutes Protection Act, systemic gaps persisted. Recommendations include revising laws to penalize client violence, training providers to counter stigma, funding free STI testing and therapy, establishing online peer networks, and addressing evidence gaps with targeted policy solutions.