Abstract
Aggravated prostitution is the combination of one stigmatizing circumstance accompanying another: prostitution and living with HIV. This HIV criminal offense disproportionally impacts African Americans, women, transgender and gender non-conforming people, people experiencing homelessness, and people unable to meet their basic needs. Punishment for aggravated prostitution is unduly harsh and inconsistent with the harm caused. This article describes the findings from a qualitative descriptive study of fourteen individuals who share their experiences of what has happened as a result of being arrested for aggravated prostitution. Findings include (a) economic survival and discrimination are reasons given for sex work, (b) people with stigmatized intersectional social identities experience police profiling, discrimination, and harassment, (c) those arrested for aggravated prostitution are punished severely and permanently, and (d) these findings support policy action. Modernizing HIV criminal laws should be accompanied by the provision of community services and supports as an alternative to arresting people for aggravated prostitution.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
