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Sex work in Tallinn, Estonia: The socio-spatial penetration of sex work into
society.
Sexually Transmitted Infections 2006; 82:348-353.
Aral SO, St. Lawrence JS, Uusküla A.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: It is important to describe and understand the underlying patterns
and dynamics that govern sex work in societies undergoing rapid political
and social changes, its heterogeneity across populations, and its evolution
through time in order to inform future research, sound policy formation,
and programme delivery. OBJECTIVES: To describe the socioeconomic and cultural
determinants, organisational structure, distinct categories, and spatial
patterning of sex work in Tallinn, Estonia, and identify recent temporal
changes in sex work patterns. METHODS: In-depth interviews with key informants;
naturalistic observations of sex work and drug use venues, geo-mapping of
sex work sites, review of media, public policy, and commissioned reports,
and analyses of existing data. RESULTS: Sex work takes place in a hierarchy
of locations in Tallinn ranging from elite brothels and "love flats" to
truck stops. These sites vary in terms of their public health importance
and social organisation. There are full time, part time, and intermittent
male and female sex workers. Among others, the taxi driver, madam and the
bartender are central roles in the organisation of sex work in Tallinn. Cell
phone and internet technology enable sex work to be highly dispersed and
spatially mobile. CONCLUSION: Future research and programmatic service delivery
or outreach efforts should respond to the changing profile of sex work in
Tallinn and its implications for STD/HIV epidemiology.