This is why we go to work

• In Event: Perspectives on sex work

Abstract

This is why we go to work.

Sex workers in South Africa are criminalised and experience high-risk sexual exposures and abuse. Their unsafe working environment exposes sex workers to abuse, violence, rape and death on a daily basis. It is fraught with tension, uncertainty and murder. HIV transmission among sex workers is aggravated by low condom use, and increased risk of other STIs, such as syphilis and hepatitis. The police forcefully confiscate condoms from sex workers and demand condom free sex. This is worsened by structural risk factors which indirectly heighten the risk for HIV infection among sex workers impeding access to preventive health, HIV and STI services and treatment. The police not only confiscate the condoms but also subject the sex workers to acts of violence, rape and harassment. As a result many are simply powerless to negotiate safer sex. Their dire economic situation, poverty, lack of skills and their desperate need to earn money is coupled with their clients’ refusal to pay for sex if using a condom. Intimidation and violence compels them to agree to unprotected sex. Sex workers are often stigmatised, marginalised and criminalised by the societies in which they live. There are many incidents of femicide by clients. Sex workers in South Africa who have been raped have very little hope of going to the police and laying a charge against their attacker. The police do not provide protection but subject sex workers to further sexual abuse, rape, assault and murder. The result of this is that there is a distinct lack of safety and trust. Sex workers regard their work as work. They are prepared to tolerate the stigma and violence in order to provide for their children’s education, food for their families and other basic needs. That is why they go to work.

Author

• Dr Bev Orton, University of Hull