Policing Violence Against Sex Workers in Gwent (South Wales, UK): Key Findings, Recommendations and Reflections from the STAR project.

• In Event: Sex work and criminal policy

Abstract

In 2024, Gwent Police (South Wales, UK), entered into a research partnership with the University of the West of England and Cyfannol (Women’s Aid). With support from the Police STAR fund, the project was set up to evaluate policing responses to incidents of sexual violence reported to the police by sex workers in Gwent. In bringing together partners from policing, Women’s Aid (Cyfannol) and academia, the project examines investigative approaches, community dynamics and processes of risk identification and management. This paper will highlight the key findings from the study which was completed in June 2025, drawing on several data points (interviews, analysis of crime data) in addressing its three core research questions; What is the nature of the relationship between the police and sex workers in Gwent? What are the barriers and challenges that present themselves in progressing criminal investigations where the victim is a sex worker? What is the efficacy of processes and tools that are used to identify, mitigate and manage the risk of violence against sex workers in Gwent?

Authors

• Duncan McPhee, University of the West of England

• Jane Nolan, University of the West of England