Erobella

Erobella is a European online platform and directory for erotic classified ads, escorts, and models, founded in 2005. The company operates primarily in Germany and the United Kingdom and has grown to list over 15,000 profiles following its merger with Adultseek. Erobella states that it focuses on voluntary and self-determined erotic work, with an emphasis on safety, autonomy, and legal compliance for workers.

Activities and Advocacy

The platform has a stated policy against coercion, trafficking, and forced prostitution. It collaborates with German erotic worker advocacy organizations, including the Berufsverband erotische und erotic Dienstleistungen e.V. (BESD) and the Berufsverband erotic Dienstleistungen e.V. (BSD).

Beyond functioning as a listing service, Erobella conducts and publishes surveys and research on erotic work. Its 2023 study estimating the number of erotic workers in Germany received media and legislative attention. Using registration data from the 15 largest German cities and local authority estimates, Erobella calculated that for each registered erotic worker, approximately two to three others work unregistered. This yielded an estimate of about 88,800–91,000 erotic workers nationwide, significantly lower than some political claims of 200,000–400,000. This methodology was cited in the official 2024 evaluation of Germany’s Prostituiertenschutzgesetz (Prostitution Protection Act), commissioned by the Bundestag.

Erobella also publishes the yearly “erotic Worker Wellbeing Index,” based on surveys across Europe. The 2024 report, presented at York University’s Beyond the Interface conference, examined mental and physical health, stigma, and access to services among erotic workers. A 2024 nationwide survey in Germany found that around 85% of respondents rated their physical and mental health as good or very good, though many reported stigma and work-related stress. The survey also gathered data on demographics, income, and safety concerns.

Community Initiatives

Since 2022, Erobella has organized webinars, meet-ups, and events for erotic workers on topics such as occupational safety and legal rights. The platform includes tools such as client review functions, profile reporting, and has announced plans for an emergency alert system to notify trusted contacts if an appointment overruns.

Public Debate and Reception

Erobella’s research has been referenced in German media and policy debates on prostitution. Outlets such as Berliner Zeitung, BILD, Welt, Deutschlandfunk and others have reported on its estimates and surveys.

Social media

• LinkedIn: erobella
• Instagram: @erobella_de
• TikTok: @erobella_de
• Instagram: @erobella_de

References

• BMFSFJ (2024) – Evaluation Prostituiertenschutzgesetz (official report PDF)
• York University (2024) – Beyond the Interface Conference Program
• UFMA – Monique L. R. Costa Thesis
• BSD – „Erobellas Umfrage zum Wohlbefinden von Sexarbeiterinnen“
• Berliner Zeitung (2023) – „Neue Studie: So viele Prostituierte gibt es in Deutschland“
• BILD (2024) – „Wie funktioniert Sexarbeit eigentlich als Beruf?“