The process

Linda has just finished matric. She did not do too well and she is struggling to find . She has decided she wants to leave her small town for Cape Town. She sees a job ad in the classifieds, looking for staff immediately and promising high earnings. There is no company name, and no indication of skills needed. She is asked to post a photo and a week later she receives a phone call to tell her that they would like to offer her a job as a receptionist, during which time she will also receive training in massaging. She sets off to Cape Town, ready for her new life.

Her “reception” job lasts 2 days. On day 3 she receives an quick “training” session on doing Swedish massages. On day 4 she is ready to “move up” on the career ladder. She is chosen from a line up by the client. She is the “new girl” and in demand. In the cubicle she starts massaging his back. He tells her about his oldest son’s first day at university. Then he says "what else do you do?" She then says "I'm new. I can only do Swedish back massages" So she proceeds.

He then turns over. With a fright she notices his arousal. If she is embarrassed and says “I am done”. He responds "You have to finish, that’s what I paid for”. Then he proceeds to show her what to do. She is trapped. Not knowing what was offered to the client, not wanting to loose her job… When she is done, she tells the manager who responds by saying “that’s normal, this is how you make your money”.

At the end of the day, she gets paid. R400 per massage. Deducted from the fee is R 350 for “advertising fees” by the salon owner. She ends up with R50 per massage. She is hurt, disappointed, feels guilty and loathes herself. She does not know what to do. How will her parents react if they knew what happened? Where will she find another job? How can she look at herself in the mirror again…

The next morning she is back – she is now trapped and the longer she stays there, the more difficult it is to get out…

THIS COULD BE YOUR DAUGHTER…

THIS COULD BE YOU…