Which barrier is listed for sex workers when reporting sexual assault?

• A. Fear of arrest if they report sexual assault
• B. LE perceptions and attitudes toward sex workers as victims are poor
• C. Fear of judgement
• D. Fear of parents, family, or friends finding out

Answer: (A)

When sex workers consider reporting a sexual assault, the real concern often centers on how engaging with the justice system could affect them personally. The barrier described here is the fear that reporting the assault could lead to arrest or criminal charges related to their sex work. In places where sex work is illegal or heavily policed, individuals may worry that coming forward will expose them to being charged with illegal activity, rather than being treated primarily as a victim. This fear can be so strong that it deters reporting, even when the assault itself deserves a formal investigation.

Other barriers like perceived negative attitudes from law enforcement, fear of judgment, or fear of disclosure to friends or family are indeed meaningful concerns in different contexts, but the option highlighted reflects the specific obstacle identified for sex workers: the risk of arrest tied to their work.