Picking Up Safely

Picking Up In Pubs, Parties, Phone-lines and Chat-rooms

There are lots of ways you can meet other people for sex. These include, parties, pubs and clubs, phone line and Internet chat-rooms. All of these can be fun but there are a few things you can do to make sure you only get what you are looking for. If you meet someone at a party, pub or club:

• Introduce them to a friend, acquaintance or bar staff.
• Let them think someone else may be staying with you.
• Give their address to a friend or the bar staff.

If you meet someone on a phone-line or chat-room;

• Meet in a public place.
• Text, e-mail or tell a friend where you are going.
• Leave a note with the address of where you are going.

A few other general safety tips:

• Have your own transport or cab fare so you aren’t dependent upon them.
• Always trust your instincts - if something doesn’t feel right, leave.

Drink Spiking

Going to pubs and clubs is a great way to meet other people. In the vast majority of cases meeting this way is safe and fun. However, potential perpetrators of sexual assault or robberies have been known to spike victim’s drinks with drugs that cause tiredness or disorientation. Once the victim looses control they may be robbed or sexually assaulted. There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of having your drink spiked:

• Don’t leave your drink unattended.
• If someone offers to buy you a drink go to the bar with them.
• If you are drinking water leave the cap on the bottle.
• Don’t drink other people’s drinks.
• If you suddenly begin to feel tired or dizzy let the bar or security staff know immediately.
• Finally, if someone’s intentions are criminal they wont be keen to go back to a place if they think someone else might be there. So let them think you have a flat-mate or travelling companion.

Beats

Beats are public places, like toilets or parklands, where men may gather to meet others for sexual or social reasons. Beats can play an important part in the lives of some communities. So if you are going to visit beats here’s a few things you need to know.

Legality

Having sex at a beat in NSW whether it is in bushland or a public toilet is illegal. However, being at a beat is not illegal. To be arrested or charged you must be caught having sex or committing some other unlawful behaviour.

Be aware of other ‘by-laws’ that may exist in certain beats like ‘plant regeneration’ areas. If you are walking through these areas you may be breaking local council rules and may be fined.

Entrapment

Entrapment involves a law enforcement officer pretending to be cruising for sex. When a victim responds to a sexual advance they are arrested or detained.

Entrapment is against NSW Police policy! Evidence obtained through entrapment cannot be used in court. If you believe you have been entrapped you should seek legal advice or call the Lesbian and Gay Anti-Violence Project.

Your Rights

The police do patrol some beats especially if there have been complaints from the public or crimes against beat users. As beats are considered ‘sensitive’ police will usually patrol in pairs. If you are caught having sex, or committing another offence, you can be arrested. The police officer should explain why you are being arrested. You can ask them for their name, rank and station and they must tell you. They may perform a ‘pat down’ search of you but, apart from your name and address, you have the ‘right to remain silent’. You may then be taken to a police station and charged, or issued with a notice to attend court at a later date.

If you are fined you are always given an official notice as well as time to pay it or to appeal. Never give a police officer or council ranger money.

Homophobic Violence

Staying alert is the best defence against violence. If there is a group of guys who obviously aren’t there for sex it is best to leave the area. On your way out let others know if you think there is a danger.

If you see someone being harassed do something to help for example call the police or make noise, but don’t get physically involved unless it is safe to do so.

Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t ‘feel right’ then leave.

Sex On Premises Venues (SOPVs)

SOPVs, like sex clubs, bathhouses and saunas, are legal in NSW. They are relatively safe places to meet other men for sex - they also support safe sex.

ACON has a Code of Practice with most of the sex venues in Sydney. Under this Code they agree to provide free condoms and lube; ensure the venue meets a level of cleanliness and is sufficiently lit; and that HIV/AIDS and safe sex information is freely available. Venues that meet the Code of Practice display this logo.

To find out more about the types of venues, what you’ll find in them and how they work get a copy of the booklet When You’re Hot You’re Hot. Look for it at venues or call ACON on 9206 2000 to get a copy.

Sex work

Sex work (prostitution) in brothels and escort agencies is legal in NSW however, there are a number of regulations that are designed to safeguard sex workers, clients and the community.

Brothels and Escort Services

There are no legal concerns for a client about using a brothel or escort service. There are local council rules governing the establishment and running of sex industry premises but they don’t apply directly to clients.

Street Work

There are a few points to keep in mind if meeting sex workers on the streets. It is illegal for workers and clients to solicit or have sex in sight of a church, school or residence. Clients can be arrested for ‘kerb crawling’ which involves negotiating services from their car window.

General Safety Tips

If you are using the services of a sex worker remember:

• Sex in public places is illegal in NSW - including lane ways (alleys) and parked cars.
• Be aware of where your valuables (eg. wallet, watch, phone etc) are at all times.
• The AVP suggests that brothels or escort services are a safer option than meeting workers on the streets.
• It is illegal to harass, intimidate or harm sex workers. The police will attend all reported complaints.

Sexual Health Centres (SHC)

If you experience any symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (eg. painful urination, discharge, rash, sores,) you can access free and confidential services at one of Sydney’s Sexual Health Centres.

To get information about services, hours of operation or the location of your closest SHC call the Sydney Sexual Health Centre on 9382 7440 (8am –5pm, Monday to Friday).

For more information on sexualy transmitted infections, look at the Why Test web site.

Condoms, lube, dams and safe sex

On the Sydney scene you are never far from free supplies of condoms, lube and dams or information about HIV/AIDS and safe sex. Some of the places you can get them include:

• All commercial sex on premises venues (eg. saunas and sex clubs).
• Most gay and some lesbian pubs and clubs. (Ask the staff if you can’t find them.)
• In the toilets and from the information desk at most major gay and lesbian dance parties. Also ACON’s volunteer Safe Sex Sluts often wander around the party handing them out (along with sweets if you are nice to them).
• Sexual health centres and from ACON (9 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills).

You can also buy condoms and lube from chemists (pharmacies), service stations and supermarkets. If you have questions about HIV/AIDS or safe sex you can call ACON on 9206 2000 between 10am –6pm, Monday to Friday.

Age of Consent

The age of consent in NSW for heterosexual, lesbian and male to male sex is 16.