A Descriptive Profile of Abused Female Sex Workers in India.
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Date
2010-06
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Abstract
This descriptive study presents the profiles of abused female sex workers (FSWs) in Chennai, India. Of 100
abused FSWs surveyed using a structured questionnaire, severe forms of violence by intimate partners were
reported by most (98%) respondents. Of the total sample, 76% experienced violence by clients. Sexual
coercion experiences of the FSWs included verbal threats (77%) and physical force (87%) by intimate partners
and forced unwanted sexual acts (73%) by clients. While 39% of the women consumed alcohol before
meeting a client, 26% reported that their drunkenness was a trigger for violence by clients. The findings
suggest that there is an urgent need to integrate services, along with public-health interventions among
FSWs to protect them from violence. Recognition of multiple identities of women in the contexts of intimate
relationships versus sex work is vital in helping women to stay safe from adverse effects on health.
Description
Keywords
Descriptive studies, HIV, Spouse abuse, Violence, Violence against women, India
Citation
Panchanadeswaran Subadra, Johnson Sethulakshmi C, Sivaram Sudha, Srikrishnan A.K, Zelaya Carla, Solomon Suniti, Go Vivian F, Celentano David. A Descriptive Profile of Abused Female Sex Workers in India. Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition. 2010 Jun; 28(3): 211-220.