PREVICT-SW: Preventing sex workers’ crime victimization risk - A cluster randomized control participatory research

Description What influences sex workers’ victimization, and what works to prevent it? These are the two core questions addressed in this research project. Sex workers experience disproportionately high levels of victimization, particularly regarding violent and property offenses, with risks of victimization significantly exceeding those of the general population. Despite this, a substantial gap remains in both theoretical frameworks and intervention strategies tailored to this demographic. Victimology, overwhelmingly shaped by theories like lifestyle exposure models, provides population-wide insights but fails to account for the specific situational risks faced by high-vulnerability groups such as sex workers. This study will employ a mixed-methods longitudinal cluster randomized controlled trial (cluster-RCT) design in the cantons of Fribourg and Neuchâtel—regions currently lacking structured victimization prevention programs targeted at sex workers. First, by identifying specific risk factors and mapping victimization trajectories, this research aims to develop new theoretical models within victimology that explain sex workers’ victimization processes. Second, by implementing a tailored prevention program based on needs identified during the preparation phase, the project will evaluate the efficacy of specific strategies in reducing sex workers’ victimization risk. This program, informed by over 100 hours of participant observation and workshops with sex workers and stakeholders, integrates crime prevention resources, legal education, and psychosocial support. Furthermore, awareness-raising initiatives will also target key stakeholders, including political actors and NGOs. A baseline and follow-up assessments at four intervals will provide a comprehensive understanding of sex workers’ victimization trajectories and the interventions’ short- and medium-term impacts. This project will introduce high-caliber longitudinal and experimental methodologies to a domain, that of victimology, that has relied predominantly on cross-sectional studies. Its potential impact is twofold, both theoretical and practical. Theoretically, it seeks to advance victimology by broadening existing victimization frameworks to better address the realities of vulnerable populations. Practically, it aims to reduce the risk of violence experienced by sex workers and promote the adoption of evidence-based practices in fields such as social work and criminology. The findings will inform stakeholders, including NGOs and government bodies – both in Switzerland and across Europe – providing a framework for addressing sex workers’ victimization in regulatory contexts. Additionally, successful intervention components could be scaled with governmental support, with open-access resources made freely available through the project.