Psychosocial care for sex professionals:

an experience report

Abstract

Although prostitution is known as the oldest profession in the world, over the years it has been marginalized and made invisible. Even though it is currently regulated as a profession, it still carries the stigma caused not only by society, but also by the State. The invisibility of prostitution for the State is noticed in the absence of public policy to address violence aimed at this specific group and the absence of indicators of violence against this professional category. Given this scenario, this article brings an experience report of two conversation circles with sex workers in order to create bonds and learn about the life history of women and the violence they suffer at work. The actions described in this article took place in a town located in the countryside of the State of Ceará, Brazil, in a partnership between graduate studies and university outreach. We used field diaries as a basis for this article, as a way of producing meanings through our affections. Thus, based on what has been experienced, the importance of networks of affection, safety, and protection built and established among sex workers in the territories has been noticed, as well as provocations for the field of psychology, opening up possibilities for debates and new practices based on embracement, health promotion, and comprehensive care for sex workers.