Federal resources for sex workers primarily focus on harm reduction, safety, rights advocacy, and exit programs for those seeking alternative work or escaping exploitation. While the U.S. does not officially endorse or support sex work as a legal profession, some organizations and government-supported initiatives aim to provide assistance, including for those experiencing trafficking, exploitation, or violence. Below are resources and support options: --- ### **1. National Human Trafficking Hotline** - **Website**: [humantraffickinghotline.org](https://humantraffickinghotline.org) - **Phone**: **1-888-373-7888** - **Text**: **233733** (Text “HELP” or “INFO”) - **Purpose**: Provides confidential assistance to individuals who may be victims of trafficking or exploitation. - **Services**: Safety planning, resource connection, and reporting exploitation. --- ### **2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – HIV/STI Prevention Resources** - **Website**: [cdc.gov](https://www.cdc.gov) - **Purpose**: Focuses on sexual health education, access to testing, and treatment services. - **Resources for Sex Workers**: - Free or low-cost testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. - Community outreach programs targeting high-risk populations. --- ### **3. Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)** - **Website**: [ovc.ojp.gov](https://ovc.ojp.gov) - **Purpose**: Offers funding to organizations that help victims of crimes, including sex trafficking and exploitation. - **Services**: - Direct support for victims, including crisis counseling and emergency assistance. - Local victim assistance agencies through the OVC Resource Directory. --- ### **4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)** - **Website**: [samhsa.gov](https://www.samhsa.gov) - **Helpline**: **1-800-662-HELP (4357)** - **Purpose**: Supports individuals facing substance use disorders, which can disproportionately affect sex workers. - **Services**: - Mental health counseling. - Substance abuse recovery resources. - Referrals to local providers. --- ### **5. Housing Assistance – HUD Programs** - **Website**: [hud.gov](https://www.hud.gov) - **Purpose**: Provides housing support for individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of exploitation. - **Programs**: - Continuum of Care (CoC): Funds transitional housing and shelters. - Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG): Helps at-risk individuals secure stable housing. --- ### **6. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)** - **Website**: [rainn.org](https://www.rainn.org) - **Phone**: **1-800-656-HOPE (4673)** - **Purpose**: Provides confidential support for survivors of sexual violence, including sex workers. - **Services**: - 24/7 confidential helpline. - Connections to local sexual assault service providers. --- ### **7. National Network for Youth (NN4Y)** - **Website**: [nn4youth.org](https://www.nn4youth.org) - **Purpose**: Focuses on addressing the needs of homeless and runaway youth, including those involved in survival sex or exploitation. - **Services**: - Shelter referrals. - Counseling and case management. --- ### **8. LGBTQ+ Support – The Trevor Project** - **Website**: [thetrevorproject.org](https://www.thetrevorproject.org) - **Phone/Text**: **988** or chat via their website. - **Purpose**: Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ individuals, including those in sex work. --- ### **9. National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV)** - **Website**: [ncadv.org](https://www.ncadv.org) - **Phone**: **1-800-799-SAFE (7233)** - **Purpose**: Supports individuals experiencing domestic violence, which may overlap with exploitation in the sex industry. --- ### **10. National Harm Reduction Coalition** - **Website**: [harmreduction.org](https://www.harmreduction.org) - **Purpose**: Promotes harm reduction strategies for sex workers, including access to clean needles, overdose prevention, and healthcare services. --- ### **11. Legal Aid and Advocacy** - **American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)**: - **Website**: [aclu.org](https://www.aclu.org) - Protects civil rights, including those of marginalized groups like sex workers. - **National Lawyers Guild (NLG)**: - **Website**: [nlg.org](https://www.nlg.org) - Offers legal support for individuals experiencing discrimination or legal challenges. --- ### **12. Polaris Project** - **Website**: [polarisproject.org](https://polarisproject.org) - **Purpose**: Works to combat and prevent human trafficking. - **Resources**: - Advocacy for policy change. - Direct support services for survivors. --- ### **13. Federal Agencies Addressing Exploitation** - **Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – Blue Campaign**: - **Website**: [dhs.gov/blue-campaign](https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign) - Educates on identifying and reporting human trafficking. --- ### **14. Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP)** - **Website**: [swopusa.org](https://swopusa.org) - **Purpose**: Provides peer-led support for sex workers, focusing on harm reduction, safety, and advocacy. --- ### **How to Access These Resources** - **Helplines**: Call or text for confidential, immediate assistance. - **Online Directories**: Use the listed websites to locate local and national support services. - **Community Networks**: Organizations like SWOP and Harm Reduction Coalitions provide grassroots assistance tailored to sex workers. Let me know if you need more details or guidance!