Prostitution in Slovenia
Response to the 'MARINA SPA CLUB' media frenzy.
Introduction
As NON-self-proclaimed experts of the adult industry and representatives of sex workers in Slovenia, we are forced to respond to the media frenzy in the 'MARINA SPA CLUB' case. To begin with, we must clarify that Slovenia has one of the better laws on sex work, BUT like all our legislation, this one also has a crucially superficial interpretation of the penal code, which does not distinguish between natural and legal persons. We must emphasize that the exploitation of prostitution and slavery in the 21st century is very rare. The accessibility of communication and the awareness of society would quickly reveal these patterns to the competent authorities. Therefore, looking for a victim in every individual is pointless.
The Role of the Ključ Society
In Slovenia, the Ključ society is most actively involved in this, and thanks are due to them for rescuing victims before 2003 and for the transition of the industry until 2005 when the state finally declared sex work as work. Since 2005, however, the Ključ society has been demonizing and intimidating the adult craft, as it believes that all sex workers are victims of something, solely based on bad experiences. With respect to their past work, we believe that today they should focus more on other activities they are involved in, such as violent communication and human organ trafficking. Their belief in connection with sex work is based on the idea that this work brings bad patterns into society, such as suicides. (In 2003, Slovenia adopted the opinion of the WHO, which removed prostitution from mental disorders).
Who Are the Victims?
Persons who engage in prostitution as natural persons and do NOT declare themselves as sex workers (despite the existence of a legal and tax basis - undeclared work), are ALWAYS victims. They are either victims of the system (as they are mostly on social transfers and without socio-social protection), or victims of extortion by criminal organizations that blackmail them for protection, or they become victims of their own bad urban habits (drug addiction) and financial illiteracy (due to a large monthly cash flow, they are not prepared to do other, lower-paid jobs), or they put themselves in the role of a victim for their own personal interest.
Prostitution and Legal Entities
Persons who engage in prostitution as legal entities in the form of a sole proprietorship, limited liability company, or through an employment contract can be victims of prostitution if they declare themselves as victims for their own interest and unintentionally due to ignorance of the law (using a poor excuse: telling a client they cannot do something because someone won't let them - even if that person/culprit has no such authority or desire). If a NATURAL person tries to force a declared sex worker into prostitution, the sex worker MUST: call the police, call security/intervention (based on a contract with a security service for a specific business space), inform the Ključ society and the Dobra Družba organization. If a LEGAL person tries to do so, the sex worker MUST: call the police, report it to the labor inspectorate, call the Ključ society, terminate the cooperation agreement, and inform the Dobra Družba organization.
Conclusion: The Real Problem
From the above, it is clear that the problem of prostitution in Slovenia does not stem from space providers or legal entities (hotels, wellness centers, discos, night, day, swinger clubs), but from individuals who, due to disrespect for public health, tax evasion, exploitation of social transfers, or simply ignorance of the law, do NOT opt for the available legal method. 'Organized criminal groups' (PIMPING) are a consequence of poorly implemented supervision by inspection services and the failure to identify undeclared work! Pimping is and WILL ALWAYS be successful where there are no rights and legal options for sex workers. Given that all this EXISTS in Slovenia, the question arises as to why the responsible authorities are still chasing those who are not hiding (they are chasing those registered in AJPES).