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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2013

Open Access 01-12-2013 | Research article

Violence against women in sex work and HIV risk implications differ qualitatively by perpetrator

Authors: Michele R Decker, Erin Pearson, Samantha L Illangasekare, Erin Clark, Susan G Sherman

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Background

Physical and sexual violence heighten STI/HIV risk for women in sex work. Against this backdrop, we describe the nature of abuse against women in sex work, and its STI/HIV implications, across perpetrators.

Methods

Adult women involved in sex work (n = 35) in Baltimore, MD participated in an in-depth interview and brief survey.

Results

Physical and sexual violence were prevalent, with 43% reporting past-month abuse. Clients were the primary perpetrators; their violence was severe, compromised women’s condom and sexual negotiation, and included forced and coerced anal intercourse. Sex work was a factor in intimate partner violence. Police abuse was largely an exploitation of power imbalances for coerced sex.

Conclusions

Findings affirm the need to address physical and sexual violence, particularly that perpetrated by clients, as a social determinant of health for women in sex work, as well as a threat to safety and wellbeing, and a contextual barrier to HIV risk reduction.
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Metadata
Title
Violence against women in sex work and HIV risk implications differ qualitatively by perpetrator
Authors
Michele R Decker
Erin Pearson
Samantha L Illangasekare
Erin Clark
Susan G Sherman
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-13-876

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