Terminology

Our research team uses certain terms that we define below:

  • People in the Sex Trades
    • Includes people who are sex trafficked, sex workers, and people who engage in sex trades but do not identify with either term or phenomenon. This can include in-person acts (sexual acts, emotional companionship, sugaring, etc.) and virtual acts (sending nude photos, webcamming, etc.). We recognize that there is a wide variety on the spectrum of victimization and agency due to a range of social, structural, and political influences.
  • Sexual Acts or Materials for Pay/compensation (SAMP)
    • Sexual Acts or Materials for Pay/compensation (SAMP) includes in-person acts (sexual acts, emotional companionship, sugaring, etc.) and virtual acts (sending nude photos, webcamming, etc.). Compensation examples include money, resources like food, alcohol, drugs, a place to stay, clothing, cell phone, gifts, luxurious items or experiences, travel, tuition payments, tutoring, and other forms.
  • Sexual Acts or Materials for Pay/compensation (SAMP) Index
    • Survey items to identify Sexual Acts or Materials for Pay/compensation (SAMP).
  • People with Lived Experience
    • People who have engaged in or experienced Sexual Acts or Materials for Pay/compensation (SAMP).