As the correlation between prostitution and the AIDS epidemic rise steadily, Doctors For Life International (DFL) has expanded its role to include the care of abused women in South Africa ’s red light district. DFL's Life Place , situated in Point, Durban , aids women in escaping from the sexual exploitation industry, commonly labeled prostitution or commercial sex work. The Life Place Care Center has been instrumental in helping to provide refuge and rehabilitation for a significant number of prostitutes in Durban . Through Life Place , many women and children have been re-united with their relatives, have found respectable employment and are now progressing towards living new and productive lives.
One of Doctors For Life International’s key projects Operation Life Child, assists children who have been orphaned by AIDS. Operation Life Child has found that many of these children, in addition to the trauma of losing their parents, have been sexually abused, sadly most often by their own family members. This deadly combination coupled with their socio-economic status make orphans an easy target for further exploitation by the sex industry. DFL’s Life Place has rescued prostitutes as young 10 years old from the streets of Durban .
Prostitutes are often drawn into the profession due to their harsh economic status. South Africa is facing a 40% unemployment and a HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of 21.5%. This indicates that many families are loosing the main breadwinner to the virus and inadequate provisions of welfare lure many by the false promises of quick money.
DFL is committed to bringing the continual exploitation of vulnerable members of our society to a standstill. We plan to continue assisting men and women who want to leave the destructive and dehumanizing world of prostitution. However, public help and support is required to help turn the long list of necessary preventative measures into actions. Interested individuals and parties can partner with DFL by providing time, skills, financial support and other relevant resources that can be used to help the victims of the sex trade. Interested donors can visit the DFL website at www.doctorsforlifeinternational.com and select “LifePlace” from the donation page to channel resources specifically towards the rehabilitation of prostitutes. DFL is registered as a non-profit organization and 100% of the proceeds are applied to the project. Correspondence is also welcomed and can be sent to mail@dfl.org.za
