Cambodia - Brothel Clinic
Commercial sex workers
In an urban slum devoted almost exclusively to prostitution,
we operate a weekly clinic for women trapped in a destructive
lifestyle. Around sixty women aged between 15 and 35
years old are involved in prostitution here. Many have
been kidnapped, sold or otherwise tricked into this work.
Some come for social and economic reasons: many are divorced
and see no other option. The price for sex is less than
that of a can of beer.
Treating infections - saving lives
With compassion and respect for the dignity of each girl, our
workers treat sexually transmitted infections and other
diseases caused by the poor and overcrowded living conditions.
Over 35% of the city's commercial sex workers are HIV positive
and will one day die of AIDS. By giving them condoms and
treating STDs we help decrease the risk of HIV transmission
(treating 14 STDs prevents one case of AIDS). We also
provide confidential information about how to leave the
brothel. Girls who have the courage to leave are taken
to a safe house.
Chemla's story
Seeking an escape from the grinding poverty of the
countryside, Chemla came to Phnom Penh in 1999. Alone,
with no job and no prospects, she felt she had no alternative
but commercial sex work. Two years later, through
contact with our brothel clinic workers, Chemla gained the
courage to leave the brothel to go and live in a safe house.
Unfortunately, the legacy of her past will be with her till
the end of her life. She is HIV positive.
How can you help?
Contact Servants Cambodia (cambodia@servantsasia.org) to find out how you can help
