The overall aim of the PEER project is to provide a robust evidence base regarding the experiences andservice needs of women engaging in sex work in Tyne and Wear, in order to inform local knowledge, policyand practice in this area. Specifically, the research objectives are:• To document the lives and experiences of women selling sexin Tyne and Wear• To explore the women’s experiences of service provision inTyne and Wear• To consult stakeholders about their knowledge andinvolvement in strategic decision-making and serviceprovision in the context of sex work, and• To produce a number of targeted recommendations inrelation to local policy and service provision in the context ofsex work.The research was conducted using a peer-led methodology; 36 interviews were completed by peerresearchers with women working as escorts (n=14), women engaged in opportunistic or survival sex work(n=20) and one women who had been trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation. One interviewwas also completed with a male escort. In addition 15 stakeholder interviews and one focus group werecompleted by the peer researchers in partnership with the academic research team
