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The middle ground of risk is less well developed than broader considerations at policy level and fine-tuned individual perception and behaviour at micro level. The sex industry in particular is increasingly portrayed as a global phenomenon and, alternatively, within the context of interpersonal relationships. This article explores a middle-level analysis of threats and risk-taking behaviour. It draws attention to important distinctions between danger, risk and no risk and locates these in a discussion of sex work among migrant women in mainland Europe. The work of a non-governmental foundation, TAMPEP, in supporting migrant sex workers in managing the range of personal risks they encounter, is outlined. Two findings are underlined: that a sense of control over threat is prerequisite to dealing with risk; and that it is on the ground, in local context, that control must be and can be negotiated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]