ПРОЦЕНКА НА ПОТРЕБИТЕ НА МЛАДИТЕ СЕКСУАЛНИ РАБОТНИЦИ ВО ОДНОС НА ЗДРА Проценка на потребите на младите сексуални работни | Page 30

YOUNG SEX WORKERS’ NEEDS ASSESSMENT RELATED
TO HEALTHCARE, SOCIAL AND LEGAL SERVICES
4.3 Obstructions in Access to Services
In terms of past experiences, sex workers have faced challenges in the access to
services. The sex workers who participated in the focus group have categorized
the following as services difficult to access: urologist and endocrinologist
services, and having the opportunity for an employment other than sex work.
The need for services by a urologist is strongly emphasized in male sex workers. These
services are not available for them in the civil organizations’ centers, and they choose
not to use the same in public healthcare institutions due to the fear of uncovering their
identity and social status. The need for an endocrinologist is prevalent in transgender
sex workers who are undergoing the process of transition, which would enable them
to obtain appropriate exams and counseling with an endocrinologist for further
hormonal therapy. Having the opportunity for gaining qualifications and obtaining
another employment arrangement was emphasized by 80% of the participant
in the focus group as need which they have had throughout the previous years.
I don’t want to see a urologist at the Clinic because I am ashamed to go there. I don’t feel
relaxed enough; I can’t speak openly about my problems, which is why I don’t go there.
– male sex worker.
Services by medical specialists such as an endocrinologist are not available for us in the
NGO sector, so trans people do not get these services, i.e. they don’t even attempt to seek
those services in the public healthcare system. – transgender sex worker.
The job that we do is quite risky. Someone could even kill us on the streets. That’s why
we want to change this profession, because no one protects us. I have been working as a
sex worker in that past 8-9 years in front of the MTV (Macedonian Television). Look at my
scars. Clients have beaten me; they have also pulled out knives and guns. I wonder why
the state authorities don’t want to protect us against the violence. If we are protected, we
will be working on the street. – female sex worker.
In terms of changing their profession, sex workers appear not to want to work as sex workers as
they are exposed to violence on a daily basis by their clients, police officials and institutions,
which significantly contributes to their not feeling safe. They seek protection by state
authorities, which have not regulated the legislature targeting sex work in the Republic
of Macedonia. Were the law provisions to change favorably, sex workers will be protected
against violence, they will have obtained legal security, suitable psycho-social treatment,
economic security, healthcare and social insurance for themselves and their children.
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