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Commercial sex workers
In an urban slum devoted almost exclusively to prostitution, Servants began a weekly clinic for women trapped in a destructive lifestyle. That brothel clinic is still going and is now run by TASK. 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.
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