We are fundraising to support Ms XX, a sex worker defending herself against a civil case brought by a wealthy former partner who she believes is using the courts to continue his coercive control and abuse after she left the relationship.

He is falsely claiming that money given during the relationship was a “loan,” and is seeking to recover this money back through seemingly weaponising sex work stigma and financial pressure to punish and silence her.

Despite this, Ms XX has already secured a rare and groundbreaking anonymity order based on the real dangers sex workers face if they are outed — a win that promotes sex workers’ safety and access to justice. Supporting this case means standing against economic abuse, challenging the misuse of the courts, and backing strategic litigation with lasting impact for sex workers’ rights.

Why we’re fundraising

Ms XX is due to attend court very shortly to defend the case against her and the legal costs are substantial. The solicitors are reliable and accountable and are trying to keep costs to the minimum. The barrister is working pro-bono in recognition of the importance of the case. Ms XX’s former partner, however, is deliberately driving up costs with aggressive communications and pointless applications, relying on the assumption that Ms XX - as a sex worker - will not be able to fight back.

Ms XX has bravely persisted despite horrendous abuse and lies thrown at her. She has funded the case herself up to this point but desperately needs support both to help cover the costs and to know that she is not alone. Winning the anonymity order makes all the difference in her ability to defend herself but only if she can afford to fight it in court.

This is strategic litigation with collective impact. If Ms XX wins it will no doubt help other sex workers assert their rights. It would also help show that predatory, violent, abusive men can be defeated. Any money raised will be given directly to Ms XX's legal team. Please give what you can and share this fundraiser with others.