Gender-Based Violence

HIV Testing, Treatment & Support ServicesFor free information, STI and HIV counselling and testing, family planning services (including PMTCT), contraceptives, HIV treatment (or referral) and support, visit:

Zimbabwel District and Mission hospitals, local health

facilities and clinics l New Start Centresl ‘Sisters With a Voice’ centres are specifically for

sex workers (Mbare in Harare and Bulawayo).

South Africa l Public health clinics and hospitalsl New Start Centresl Marie Stopes sites (which also offer safe

abortion). Call free on 0800 117785.

l The free National AIDS helpline gives private HIV information and support: 0800 012322

l Call Brothers for Life – free for HIV and violence related support and services for men: 0800 448024

Sexual & Gender Based Violence Support ServicesYou have the right to protection from sexual and gender-based violence and to receive support following violence, rape or abuse.

Zimbabwel Zimbabwe Police Victim Friendly Unit handles

cases of abuse and violencel ‘Sisters With a Voice’ centres provide free legal

advice for sex workers. Call 04 332074 / 04 333393 / 04 308042.

Adult Rape Clinic (ARC) can help if you’ve been raped. So can New Start Centres. Call 2918266, or 0775672770, 0733406292

South Africa l Lifeline has a free support phone number for

people who have experienced violence: 0800 150150l SA Police Service’s Family Violence, Child

Protection and Sexual Offences Unit handles sexual and violent crimes.

Emergency number: 10111l SWEAT provides counselling and legal advice

specifically for sex workers. Call free on: 0800 606060l People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA)

provide counselling and legal support to women who have experienced abuse:

Call on: 011 6424345/6

Be safe, sexy and savvy – organise!

See a health care provider right away if you are raped. Emergency contraception

and PEP (can reduce HIV risk) must both be taken within 72 hours.

SAfAIDS Regional Office, 17 Beveridge Road, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe. Tel: +263 4 336193/4, 307898

Fax: +263 4 336195reg@safaids.net

www.safaids.net

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Know the Facts!Laws and negative feelings against sex work put sex workers at risk of violence and at greater risk of HIV, STIs and unplanned pregnancy – and make it difficult to access the services they need. Whatever people say, you have a right to:

l Live without violence – the constitution protects everyone

l Help and support services if you experience violence

l Health services including HIV and STI prevention and treatment

l Carry and insist on using condoms.

Be safe, sexy and savvy – know the law!

Protect!l All people are protected from violence by the

law such as the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Crimes Act in Zimbabwe

l Keep a working phone on you, with numbers to call for help

l When threatened by a client or authorities, use the phone camera or voice mode to record threats

l Agree on the price and service and get the money up front

l Refuse demands for sex or sexual acts with anyone, including authorities! This is blackmail and is illegal.

l Stick to trusted clients if possible and tell a friend where you are

l Get help if you experience violence

l See a health care provider right away if you are raped - do not wash! You have 72 hours! Ask for PEP (emergency HIV treatment) if you need it, it is your right!

l Report the violence – if police will not hear your case, others will. Staying silent will not allow justice to work for you.

Be safe, sexy and savvy – report all violence- Justice is prevention!

Gender-based violence usually refers to violence against women and is the result of women having less power than men in a community or relationship; this puts them at risk of violence. For sex workers, all are at risk! Be safe, sexy and savvy – prevent violence, report violence!

Different types of violence:l Sexual: e.g. rape, unwanted touching,

refusing to use a condom or forcing a sex worker to do sexual acts

l Physical: e.g. hitting, choking or being forced to take drugs or alcohol

l Verbal/Spoken: e.g. name calling or shaming.

l Economic/Financial: e.g. withholding payment for any service, including withholding money in the home

72 hours

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X

Get Help!

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