A shelter set up in 2006 has now helped around 250 women.
French photographer Bénédicte Desrus spent six years documenting Casa Xochiquetzal – a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City.
The home provides the women with food, health services and courses helping them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives.
Casa Xochiquetzal was opened by Carmen Munoz, a retired sex worker, in 2006.
Bénédicte Desrus / Via benedictedesrus.photoshelter.com
Around 26 former prostitutes, aged between 55 and 86 live at the home, with more than 250 women having received help since it opened.
Bénédicte Desrus / Via benedictedesrus.photoshelter.com
According to Slate , Munoz spent 20 years trying to convince the government and NGOs to open the shelter before Mexico City’s municipal government provided the building and resources.
Portrait of Jimena, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, at the shelter.
Bénédicte Desrus / Via benedictedesrus.photoshelter.com
After earning the women’s trust, Desrus teamed up with journalist Celia Gómez Ramos and the pair created a book entitled "Las Amorosas Más Bravas"(The Toughest Lovers).
They said they wanted to show the women’s stories of survival.
Bénédicte Desrus / Via benedictedesrus.photoshelter.com
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