An online platform was launched in the Netherlands on April 20 to allow sex workers to share information about their dangerous clients.
The platform aims to improve the safety of the sex industry.
The platform, called "Ugly Mugs NL," was developed by the Dutch Society for the Prevention of STDs and AIDS (SOA AIDS) and sex workers' trade union PROUD, with support from the Ministry of Justice.
The site explains that it allows people to warn each other about promiscuous and dangerous clients.
They can research new clients, receive alerts when a dangerous client arrives in their area of operation, and even report it to the police.
According to a 2018 survey by SOA AIDS and PROUD, 97% of sex workers in the Netherlands have experienced violence.
About 78% had experienced sexual violence, and 60% had experienced physical violence. Fifty-eight percent had experienced financial problems, such as clients stealing money or refusing to pay.
The survey was commissioned by the Ministry of Justice and included more than 300 sex workers.
Prostitution was legalized in the Netherlands in 2000. Sex workers must register with the local chamber of commerce and pay income tax.
