Abstract
BackgroundViolence against female sex workers (FSWs) has been increasingly reported as an important determinant of HIV infection risk. This study explores the frequency of different violent experiences (sexual abuse, rejection, beating and imprisonment) among FSWs in Argentina and its association with condom use and HIV and T. pallidum prevalence.MethodsA convenience sample of 1255 FSWs was included in a cross-sectional study conducted between October 2006 and November 2009.ResultsSexual abuse was reported by 24.1% (219/907) of women. A total of 34.7% (42/1234) reported rejection experiences, 21.9% (267/1215) reported having been beaten and 45.4% (561/1236) stated having been arrested because of their sex work activity. There was a higher frequency of inconsistent condom use with clients among FSWs who had experienced sexual abuse, rejection, and police detention. A higher frequency of HIV and T. pallidum infection was detected among FSWs who reported having been arrested by the police.ConclusionThe study shows for the first time the frequency of different violent situations among FSWs in Argentina. The association between violence against sex workers, condom use and STI prevalence demonstrated here calls for measures to reduce stigma and violence against FSWs. Such violent experiences may increase vulnerability to STI through coerced unprotected sex.
Highlights
Sex work is a universal phenomenon, it is illegal in most countries
A high frequency of different violent experiences against female sex workers (FSWs) has been increasingly reported in several settings, as an important determinant of HIV infection risk [7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14]
In each city FSWs were contacted by trained peers from Argentinean Female Sex Workers Non-Governmental Organization (AMMAR) in the street, bathhouses, nightclubs and brothels and offered to participate in the study consisting of the diagnosis of HIV and Treponema pallidum counseling and a structured questionnaire
Summary
Sex work is a universal phenomenon, it is illegal in most countries. sex workers in many regions may have little or no legal protection and may be susceptible to human rights violations, including different kinds of violence [1,2,3]. Female sex workers (FSWs) are vulnerable to different kinds of violence in line with the high prevalence of gender-based violence occurring in many countries [5]. A high frequency of different violent experiences against FSWs has been increasingly reported in several settings, as an important determinant of HIV infection risk [7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14]. Previous studies that FSWs involved in violent situations are forced to prioritize their security over attempts to negotiate condom use [6,15,16] This problem is compounded by current legal systems that impede HIV prevention campaigns in some regions. Violence against female sex workers (FSWs) has been increasingly reported as an important determinant of HIV infection risk. This study explores the frequency of different violent experiences (sexual abuse, rejection, beating and imprisonment) among FSWs in Argentina and its association with condom use and HIV and T. pallidum prevalence
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