Many sex workers in Switzerland experience violence. The Heartwings association and the Women’s Liaison Center in Zurich aim to highlight this issue with a startling campaign. “Are you seeking an internship with flexible hours – paying 140%? Would you like to interact with customers – up to ten men at a time? Do you enjoy excitement – with a nine times higher likelihood of being raped? Then the brothel ‘La Perte’ is what you need,” states a video.
The advertisement further mentions that no language skills are required: “It doesn’t matter what languages you speak – the fewer, the better.” Indeed, nearly 85% of prostitutes in Switzerland are migrants, driven by poverty, lack of opportunities, and pressure from pimps. Additionally, those working in prostitution are more likely than average to suffer from mental health issues and to encounter physical and sexual violence.
This brothel is fictional, as is the job offer. However, the position reflects the real circumstances faced by sex workers, according to the organizations. “The short film encourages us to reconsider the prostitution system and recognize the inhumane conditions that women endure daily,” they stated in a press release. The campaign, which is part of the International No-Prostitution Day on October 5, seeks to demonstrate that this profession is primarily a form of exploitation rather than a voluntary choice. The sex trade in Switzerland comprises between 13,000 and 20,000 prostituted women and generates an estimated annual turnover of between 1 and 3.5 billion francs. Approximately 350,000 men are customers at least once a year.
Shocking Reality of Sex Work in Switzerland: A Call for Awareness
Understanding the Campaign
The Heartwings association and the Women’s Liaison Center in Zurich have launched a shocking campaign to illuminate the violence that many sex workers endure in Switzerland. Their provocative video presents a fake job advertisement for a brothel called “La Perte,” encouraging viewers to reevaluate the grim realities of sex work.
The Disturbing Job Offer
The campaign features a tongue-in-cheek approach, highlighting an internship with “flexible hours” at a staggering rate of 140%. It asks the audience, “Do you want to be in contact with customers – up to ten men at once?” It further states that language skills are unnecessary, adding a chilling note: “The fewer, the better.” This reflects a startling reality – nearly 85% of sex workers in Switzerland are immigrants, often driven by poverty and forced into a cycle of exploitation.
The Reality of Sex Work in Switzerland
In Switzerland, the sex industry is a substantial economy, with estimates suggesting that there are between 13,000 and 20,000 women involved in prostitution, generating an estimated annual turnover of 1 to 3.5 billion francs. The grim truth is that many of these women are subject to violence and exploitation, with studies indicating that sex workers are nine times more likely to be raped than other women.
Statistics on Sex Work and Violence
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Percentage of Migrants in Prostitution | 85% |
| Estimated Number of Sex Workers | 13,000 – 20,000 |
| Annual Revenue from Sex Work | 1 – 3.5 billion francs |
| Percentage of Men Who Use Prostitution Services Annually | Approximately 350,000 |
Women’s Health and Well-being
Beyond the immediate threat of violence, sex workers often face significant mental health challenges. Due to the stigma associated with their work and the trauma linked to their experiences, they typically report higher rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The Psychological Impact of Prostitution
- Increased rates of depression and anxiety.
- Higher incidence of PTSD and substance abuse.
- Social isolation and stigma impacting mental health.
Advocacy and Support Systems
The Heartwings association alongside the Women’s Liaison Center aims to raise public awareness and push for systemic change. Their short film and campaign stressing the exploitative nature of prostitution is designed to spark a conversation about the structural inequalities and violence faced by sex workers.
What Can Be Done?
Individuals and communities can take meaningful action by:
- Advocating for supportive policies and laws that protect sex workers.
- Supporting organizations that provide resources and assistance to sex workers.
- Participating in awareness campaigns to educate others about the realities of sex work.
- Encouraging dialogues that include sex workers’ voices in policy formation.
International No-Prostitution Day
The campaign is particularly pertinent as it coincides with International No-Prostitution Day, observed on October 5. This day aims to enhance awareness of the exploitation women face in the sex industry and advocate for their rights and safety.
Case Studies Highlighting the Need for Change
Numerous case studies showcase the detrimental realities faced by sex workers:
- Case Study 1: A migrant woman who sought a better life in Switzerland found herself trapped within a coercive environment, leading to severe mental health challenges.
- Case Study 2: A former sex worker shares her harrowing experiences with violence and exploitation, emphasizing the need for systemic change.
Further Resources
If you or someone you know is affected by issues related to sex work, consider reaching out to the following organizations for support:
