Transactional sex (selling or exchanging sex)

Transactional sex - also known as selling or exchanging sex, involves providing sexual services in return for money, goods or other benefits.

In Scotland, the act of selling sex is not illegal. However, activities related to this such as brothel keeping, soliciting or ‘pimping’ are against the law. If anyone under the age of 18 is involved, it is classified as child sexual exploitation.

The World Health Organisation defines selling sex as a transactional exchange of sexual services for money or goods. This can be linked to sexual exploitation which involves abusing power or trust for sexual purposes, often for financial or social gain.

Why people may be involved

Individuals may engage in transactional sex for a range of complex and overlapping reasons:

Poverty and financial hardship: Including debt, unemployment, and rising living costs

Homelessness or insecure housing: Especially affecting young people and women

Coercion or grooming: Often involving vulnerable adults or young people.

Substance use: Which may be both a cause and consequence of involvement.

Risks and harms

Selling or exchanging sex can expose individuals to significant risks:

Health risks: Higher likelihood of STIs, blood-borne viruses (BBVs), and emotional distress

Violence and exploitation: From clients or others involved

Stigma and marginalisation: Which may limit access to health and support services

Barriers to reporting abuse: Due to fear of criminalisation or discrimination

Online risks: Greater use of online platforms, such as OnlyFans or webcamming sites may at times be perceived as safer as there's no physical contact; however there are increased risks involved such as doxing (intentional sharing of a persons name, address, workplace and other personal details). Online content may also be 'leaked' from private platforms and shared on public sites without consent. 

Support and further information

Routes Out: Support for women involved in selling sex

CSE Aware: CSE Aware. Improving knowledge and responses to commercial sexual exploitation

Encompass Network: Scotland's network supporting people involved in the sex industry