How Closing a Street Sex Work Zone Impacts Sex Workers' Vulnerability: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study on a Tippelzone in the Netherlands

Introduction Legal spaces for street-based sex work are limited and appear to be diminishing. In the Netherlands, two of the once eight tippelzones (legal street sex work zone) remain after the "De Baan" in Utrecht closed in 2021. We examined how the closure has affected the lives and vulnerability of sex workers that worked there. Methods We performed a longitudinal qualitative study with sex workers using semi-structured interviews exploring their experiences. Participants were interviewed once before (n = 17) and once after (n = 13) the closure of the tippelzone in 2021. We thematically analyzed the interview transcripts. Results Before closure, most participants relied on income from the street zone, and their support needs varied. Post-closure, income loss led to financial strain, loneliness, and mental health issues for some. Plans for the future were disrupted, impacting participants' ability to execute their plans, leaving many uncertain about their future paths. Conclusions The closure of the tippelzone led to increased financial strain, stress, and reduced social contacts. Stigma and the ambiguous nature of sex work seemed to hinder acceptance of and access to support, indicating complex and diverse experiences among sex workers. Policy Implications To effectively assist sex workers when closing legal street work zones, it is crucial to invest in building rapport early, address power imbalances, and provide long-term support tailored to individual needs, including financial assistance. Policymakers must consider the evolving vulnerabilities of sex workers to mitigate negative effects.