Inside the retirement home for sex workers after escaping years of violence and economic insecurity

These are some of the intimate portraits captured by a French photographer who spent nearly a decade documenting the lives of former sex workers.

The snaps were taken at a government-run retirement shelter for elderly women who have escaped prostitution and the violence and exploitation that comes with it.

Benedicte Desrus photographed women aged 55 and older at Casa Xochiquetzal in Mexico City as part of an eight-year project.

The home provides safety and dignity for some of the capital's most vulnerable residents, who spent nearly their entire adult lives on the streets and were constantly at risk of danger.

Casa Xochiquetzal is located in a bustling, run-down neighbourhood near Mexico City's historic city centre, Ms Ramos wrote.

The 18th century brick building was once home to a boxing museum and now stands out as a "sober contrast to the surrounding visual chaos", she added.

Spacious chambers that provide shelter for the women open onto a serene courtyard.
They have walked away from their past lives, although Ms Ramos noted that some still work in the sex trade.

Ms Ramos wrote: "They have come to live in the permanent shelter after years of working in by-the-hour fleabag motels and then - as youthful allure faded - sleeping on the streets.

For many residents, the house offers their first respite from years of violence, exploitation and economic insecurity.

Former sex worker Carmen Munoz opened Casa Xochiquetzal after she saw several prostitutes sleeping under filthy plastic tarps and cluttered market stalls.

After a 20 year fight she finally convinced the government to open the shelter, and it has now helped nearly 300 women.

In 2006 the first residents moved in after Mexico City provided the building and funding to cover costs.

It now operates on public donations and funds raised by a charity created by female artists and writers.