The National Center for Social Research (EKKE) announced that the rate of prostitution in Greece has soared by 150% since the start of the economic crisis. This means that women who wouldn’t ordinarily seek employment as sex workers are turning to it nonetheless, as a means to support themselves.

EKKE figures currently show an estimate 20,000 prostitutes in Greece of which fewer than 1,000 are legally registered, as a result of street prostitutioin being illegal in Greece. Legal brothels are considered safer as they are regulated with on-site security as well as health screening. Women working at these site need to register and carry a medical card. Additionally, a large undetermined number of “studios” have opened in the country, with many experts saying the name is flimsy cover for illegal brothels.

Brothels in Greece operate according to a law updated in 1999.