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continuously behind barred windows or hang over balconies in order to entice
clients. No consideration is given to sickness, menstruation or physical illness. 16
Very young girls are sometimes allowed to go and play on the rooftop terraces at
night. If there is a raid, children are often secreted underground. Each is given a new
name and instructed not to tell their true age to anyone.
social ‘marking’
Loud make-up and gaudy dresses change the outer appearance of initiates. They are
often forced to cut their hair so that they look more western and attractive. 17
I was raped: twice, thrice, ten times in a day. I used to love wearing new and
colourful clothing and putting on make-up. Now I do that to attract the buyers
who rent my body. I am not the only one, girls who are ten or twelve years old
also stand in the streets wearing make-up and tight dresses. When I see this,
I break with tears.
(Swapana interviewed in the Red Light Despatch 2006, Vol. 1, Issue 2)
By the time the process of psychological and physical manipulation is complete,
most of these girls have lost their identity and sense of orientation. They leave their
values and pride behind.
If you know the difference between heaven and hell you would realize the
difference between the two worlds – inside the red-light area and outside. The
basic difference between the two is in dignity. A woman’s dignity is constantly
shattered inside the red light area.
(Asma interviewed by Thakurta in Red Light Despatch, 2007, Vol. 1, Issue 3)
The physical and sexual exploitation has a strong impact on the mental health of sex
workers. The fear of physical abuse or severe beatings forces them to accept this
trade as the only option left to them. In extreme cases, severe beatings may leave a
woman paralysed, or may damage other parts of her body so that she is left with no
other option except working in the trade.
16 Gupta writing in the Red Light Despatch (2006) notes that in general, in the first five years (15-20)
girls who have been kidnapped, stolen, tricked, sold and lured are locked up in small rooms with
barred windows. They are only brought out by the brothel madam to serve 15-20 buyers of
prostituted sex every night. They are generally served one meal a day and given some clothes and
toiletries. However, they are not given any of the money that the buyer pays for them (Vol. 1, Issue 1,
p. 5).
17 The reason behind changing young worker’s appearances is that they will fit more cohesively into
the visual paradigm of a prostitute and as such may be more easily marketed.
18 18