Belgium’s decision to change the law was the result of months of protests in 2022 caused by a lack of government support during the Covid pandemic.
One of those on the front line was Victoria, president of the Belgian Union of Sex Workers (UTSOPI) and formerly an escort for 12 years.
It was a personal struggle for her. Victoria sees prostitution as a social service, and sex only makes up about 10% of what she does.
“It’s getting people’s attention, listening to their stories, eating cake with them, dancing to the waltz,” she explains. “At the end of the day, it’s about loneliness.”
But the illegality of her work until 2022 caused serious problems. She worked in dangerous conditions, with no choice over clients, and her agency took a large part of her salary.
In fact, Victoria says she was raped by a client who was obsessed with her.
She went to the police station, where she said the female officer was “so rough” with her.
“She told me that sex workers should not be raped. She made me feel like it was my fault because I was doing the job.” Victoria left the station in tears.
All the sex workers we spoke to told us that at some point they were pressured to do something against their will.
Because of this, Victoria passionately believes that this new law will improve their lives.
“If there is no law and your work is illegal, there are no protocols to help you. This law gives people the tools to make us safer.”
