"Stop the violence — stop the HIV epidemic"

"Stop the violence — stop the HIV epidemic"

December 17 is celebrated as the "Day of the red umbrella" — world day of protection of sex workers from violence and abuse.

This memorable day came in 2003, originally in order to commemorate the victims of a serial killer from America that tracked and killed sex workers and adolescent girls runaway from home.

Later this day became an event of international importance, to which every year growing numbers of activists and organizations, as sex workers around the world face similar forms of institutionalized violence and discrimination. Crimes motivated by intolerance and violence against sex workers stem from prejudices, social stigma and laws criminalizing prostitution. This situation of intolerance contributes to the Commission of crimes against people who in all other situations, comply with the law.