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. 2013 Sep 23:13:876.
doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-876.

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

Michele R Decker  1 , Erin Pearson, Samantha L Illangasekare, Erin Clark, Susan G Sherman
Affiliations

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

Michele R Decker et al. BMC Public Health. .

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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