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Coke and weed. It's not like you have a choice, as the owners of the flats often sell to the clients to make them stay longer and spend more money. So it's part of the job.
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When you work as a prostitute, you're so involved that you can't think about anything except working. All the plans you used to make for the future are forgotten. For me, I was so physically and mentally exhausted that the only thing I looked forward to was sleep (when they let me). It was the only thing that let me forget the nightmare I was living.Sorry I asked. But now we're on the subject, what was your lowest point?
Do you want a list? OK then: The first time I slept with someone for money; the feeling that because they paid money they had the right to abuse and insult you; my first abortion; the loneliness….I really don't like thinking about it.So how did you get out?
I got ill. After four years of taking cocaine and drinking daily, my stomach gave up. One day I was working a bar and feeling awful. The owner brought me a glass of champagne that a customer had ordered for me, and told me to drink it. I felt this awful pain in my belly, and the barman picked me up and left me on the pavement outside without any money. I managed to get a taxi driver to take me to hospital. There they gave me one of APRAMP's cards. As soon as I got out, I jumped the metro and went to see if they could help me.
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They gave me refuge with access to textile workshops and counseling, and eventually a contract. Now I work with other women who've been through similar situations.The biggest problem with prostitution in Spain is that it's totally not legislated. It's not legal or illegal. In your view, how does that affect the opinions of the general Spanish public? The general view of prostitutes is that the girls want to work. They enjoy it and the money's good. What always makes me laugh is this double standard that the men have. The respectable ones, the ones that would talk down about prostitutes to their friends and families, are our biggest clients.What do you miss about Brazil?
My family, my house, my friends. The rivers in my town. Everything.Will you ever go back?
This summer, after being away for five years I'm finally going back to see them. If everything keeps going according to plan here, I'll go back for good in six.
