Demographics and Distribution

Demographics of Sex Workers and Clients

The fluidity and elusiveness of the sex industry are high, making the systematic study of its demographics very difficult. The validity of these studies is also questionable. According to the Session for Female Sex Workers of the Community Stakeholders’ Consultation Meeting for the Development of Recommended HIV/AIDS Strategies for Hong Kong 2012-2016, it was estimated that there are around 10,500 and 7,100 female sex workers in Hong Kong in the year of 2006 and 2009 respectively. However, due to the secretive nature of female sex workers, such as a proportion of them being under the control of pimps and/or working illegally, these numbers may have been underestimated. It is almost impossible to estimate the numbers of sex workers' clients as well.

There is serious discrimination against sex workers in the society. Is there a possibility that workers will be your relatives, friends, neighbors, or classmates just by our side, yet we have not seen or chosen not to see?

Geographical Distribution of Sex Workers

Due to market needs, traditional sex work establishments are usually situated in Yau Tsim Mong districts, Wanchai district and etc. As large-scale sex work establishments diminished, "one-sex worker apartments" and small-scale massage parlours make up most of the sex industry. Sex work premises also become more spread out and can be found in many commercial/residential districts around Hong Kong. However, many buildings' Deed of Mutual Covenant (DMC) prohibit any sex work-related activities. As such, sex work premises are mostly concentrated in older tenement or buildings with less adequate management, or in the old districts within new development areas (e.g., Yuen Long Town). It is less likely to find them in pure residential or sparsely populated areas.