Data lacking on violence against M’sian sex workers

Kuala Lumpur: A systematic review of research globally showed sex workers have a 45-75 per cent chance of experiencing sexual violence on the job, said the Pertubuhan Kesihatan dan Kebajikan Umum Malaysia (PKKUM). 

But there are no records shown on the statistics in Malaysia as there is no specific organisation directly addressing the sex workers issues except for HIV and Sexual Transmitted Infection, it said in a statement in conjunction with the International End Violence Against Sex Worker Day, 

PKKUM and its allies and advocates have gathered to recognise the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers by organising against discrimination and remembering victims of violence. 

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Since 2013, the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers has empowered the organisation to raised awareness about violence that is commonly committed against sex workers.

“The challenge is great, but we are striving to spread awareness. Most organisation are based on HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infection, where there are very limited access, activities and advocacy work being implemented in Malaysia,” said the organisation. 

It said numerous issues have been raised from the sex workers community regards to the violence on the sex workers community, adding it is not limited to only their client but also the society and authority. 

“Sex workers faced physical, sexual, emotional and psychology violence every day and it sad to say that this has been happening in the community every day without us realising it.

“Sex workers are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence at work. Sex workers of race, migrant sex workers, undocumented sex workers, transgender sex workers and men sex workers experience even greater risk of sexual violence and assault. 

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“There are limited options to report the violence, and sex workers are reluctant to go to the police because of potential arrest or further assault. Sex workers are often ineligible to received reduced compounds or bail amount from the court. Moreover, Transwomen sex workers are not protected for rape charges under the Malaysian law,” it said.

On Dec 17, PKKUM with its allies have also launched online its very own T-shirt to recognize the day. 

“By wearing this T-shirt, we hope that we could spread the awareness to the society and in the hope of reducing stigma and discrimination to the sex workers. 

“During this online launched there were also sharing session from the outreach workers working directly with the sex workers and the sex workers as well. We have Anis, Lily and Zizi sharing their experience handling such issues from the sex workers,” it said. 

PKKUM President, Elisha Kor Krishnan, in her short message, said she raised issues that violence against sex worker education and awareness are crucial. 

“People are upset if we were to speak out on this sensitive issue but look at the consequences when there is no knowledge at all on this matter,” she said, while encouraging feminist organisation and influential individuals to join her on her journey to stop violence against sex workers doesn’t matter on their race, religion or gender.

“We hope that in the future, we could empower more individuals and organisation spreading awareness that sex workers are to deserve the right to live like other normal human being without discrimination and stigmatisation,” she said.