Since the triple murder in a Viennese brothel at the end of February, the sex worker industry has been in the red. One reason, according to a sex worker, could be the increase in brothel inspections, which would deter panties.
The brutal murder of three young Asian women on February 23 in an erotic studio on Vienna’s Engerthstrasse has dramatically worsened the financial situation of sex workers. According to sex worker Sissi, the tightened control measures in the red light district, which Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) insisted on immediately after the crime, have taken place.
However, Sissi had already warned about this measure (as reported by the “Krone”). Because the surveillance presence of the authorities “disrupts things.” April brought the worst business ever. “It wasn’t that bad with the limited opening hours during the lockdown,” the almost 60-year-old said in an interview with the ‘Krone’ on Saturday. And: “The small brothels are breaking down and the big ones are trying to take over the market.”
Ask about training for authorities
All safety measures and measures would be of no use if those affected are not involved. In addition, Sissi demands from politicians: “There must be awareness and human rights training for officials in all areas and decriminalization – this is the only way trust can be built.”
There are many more issues in the scene that need to be addressed. Pressure on sex workers has generally increased due to economic difficulties. And economic pressure is a breeding ground for violence: women are forced to stay in relationships, cannot change jobs and therefore slide deeper into dependency.
Company relocation to the “invisible area”
Moreover, the uncertainty among customers means that the company moves into the ‘invisible area, that is to say into illegality’.
Singer Elisabeth de Roo now wants to set an example against the social exclusion of sex workers with a song recital and thus draw attention to their problems. The 35-year-old interviewed a total of 98 sex workers in Austria and Germany. These conversations eventually resulted in a play that will now be performed on May 10 at the Schauspielhaus in Salzburg.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
