Commercial Sex Workers Research Articles

Characterizing a syndemic: STI symptoms, substance use & violence among incarcerated Peruvian women

Abstract Background Despite increasing rates of incarceration and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among women globally, STI epidemiological data for this vulnerable at-risk population is limited. We therefore characterized patterns of STI symptoms and explored covariates and drivers of STI symptoms among incarcerated women in Peru. Methods Among 249 incarcerated women surveyed on substance use, depression, sexual behavior, STI symptoms and violence, univariate and bivariate analysis informed a latent profile analysis (LPA) and logistic regression assessing for syndemic associations between violence, substance use, and STI symptoms. Results Most participants were Peruvian (93.5%), in their late 30s (median=37; range:18-70 years), sentenced to < 5 years (86.6%) and had completed high school (78.7%). 36.9 had ≥2 STI; A minority were pregnant (2.6%), had children residing with them in prison (7.2%); symptoms. The LPA model with the best fit revealed the largest (39%) group with a ‘syndemic’ profile involving co-occurrence of multiple STI symptoms, substance use, and experiences of interpersonal violence (IPV); 86.6% of this latent class were <50 years old. The substance use and violence ‘syndemic’ profile was associated significantly higher likelihood of having multiple STI symptoms (2+ symptoms: PR = 1.88 (95% CI 1.18, 2.99) or 3+ symptoms PR = 2.55 (95% CI 1.32, 4.93). Conclusions and Recommendations The syndemic of younger incarcerated women with substance use and IPV with STI symptoms portends a group at substantially higher risk for HIV and given the structured setting of prisons, should be routinely screened for and treated for STIs. Moreover, these settings can and should screen for and address substance use and IPV and intervene before these women are released to community settings to not only improve individual but public health needs. Key messages • In line with syndemic theory, incarcerated women presenting with multiple STI symptoms (≥2) were more likely to be engaged in substance use (illicit drug use and/or alcohol) and experience violence. • Post-hoc analysis also revealed the rate of substance use was higher among women who engaged in commercial sex work (CSW) pre-incarceration compared to those who were not engaged in CSW.

Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus 2 infection among commercial sex workers in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Background: Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV2) causes genital herpes, an incurable, lifelong sexually transmitted infection (STI). This study was conducted to describe the seroprevalence and associated factors of HSV2 infection in a cohort of Female Sex Workers (FSWs). Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 136 FSWs who attended the central STD Clinic, in Colombo. They were assessed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire followed by serum sampling. Serum samples were tested for HSV2 IgG using an enzyme immunoassay specific for glycoprotein gG2 of HSV2. Results: HSV2 seroprevalence of FSW was 66.9% (91/136) of which only 14.3% (13/91) reported a history of genital infection. Age ≥35 years (OR 3.35, 95%CI 1.54-7.31, p=0.002), education ≥ grade 5 (OR 8.35, 95%CI 13.1- 64.7, p<0.001), lifetime sexual partners ≥ 200 (OR 5.33, 95% CI 2.3-12.36), p<0.001), duration of sex work ≥1 year (OR 4.5, 95% CI 2.09-9.65, p<0.001) and history of STI (OR 4.52, 95% CI 1.9-10.78, p<0.001) were statistically significant risk factors for high HSV2 prevalence. Consistent condom use by commercial partners in the last 3 months was not a significant protective factor in preventing HSV2 infection (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.15-1.26, p = 0.12) in this cohort. Conclusions: The seroprevalence of HSV2 is high in this population and most of them did not report any genital infection. Multiple risk factors for higher prevalence were observed. Findings support the need for regular surveillance, monitoring of HSV-2 infection in high-risk populations, and expanding awareness of HSV-2 infection in the country.

Criminalization of Service Users and Traditional Commercial Sex Workers in Indonesia

The urgency of law enforcement against service users and traditional commercial sex workers in Indonesia in handling the increasingly rampant practice of prostitution. Despite government efforts to discourage involvement in prostitution, the lack of specific regulations in Indonesian law has allowed service users of prostitution to avoid appropriate legal consequences. This research aims to criminalize both traditional commercial sex workers and service users using a legislative approach, conceptual approach, and comparative legal approach to address criminal issues faced by traditional commercial sex workers and users in Indonesia, one of which is the criminalization of all individuals involved in such practices, such as service users of prostitution who are not clearly regulated, although the government has made efforts through existing local regulations. The type of research used is juridical-normative or often referred to as doctrinal legal research. Several regions in Indonesia, such as DKI Jakarta, Indramayu Regency, Tangerang City, Denpasar City, Badung Regency in Bali, Batam City, and Bandung Regency, have issued local regulations criminalizing service users of prostitution in their respective areas. However, these regulations vary and impose lenient penalties on commercial sex workers and service users. Therefore, we need to study the Netherlands in addressing issues related to prostitution, which can ensnare both perpetrators and commercial sex workers.

Risky sexual behaviour and its determinants among undergraduate students residing in hostels of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour (RSB) and its associated factors among Nepalese undergraduates residing in hostels of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal.DesignCross-sectional studySettingHostels operating inside Kathmandu Metropolitan City...

Factors associated with lifetime use of commercial sex work services among Japanese men aged 20–49: findings from a quasi-representative national survey, 2022

ObjectivesApproximately half of Japanese men aged 20–49 years have purchased sexual services, but data concerning the use of commercial sex work (CSW) in Japan remain scarce.MethodsWe used online survey data...

Covert Mode of Sexual Crimes in the Tourism Sector in Indonesia

The phenomenon of sexual activity in tourism is still an unresolved problem, with every development the practice of prostitution can be found openly or covertly. These conditions cause the phenomenon of female commercial sex workers to continue to grow rapidly, as evidenced by the increasing number of comfort women or sex workers every year. Another problem caused by the existence of activities in the form of sex tourism which accommodate commercial sex workers is considered to be an act of immorality, in other words, this act is classified as something that violates and is contrary to moral norms, especially the practice of trafficking in persons in the tourism industry. Therefore, the research aims to analyze the forms and methods of sex crimes in the tourism sector and also how law enforcement related to sex crimes in the tourism sector in Indonesia is enforced. This research uses normative legal research with a statutory and conceptual approach. The data sources used are primary and secondary data sources. The data analysis used is classifying similar materials and processing them comprehensively so that this step is expected to make the flow of discussions on the completion of this research easier. The research results show that: first, forms of sexual crime in the tourism sector include commercial sexual exploitation, sexual harassment and sexual violence. Second, the law enforcement process against human trafficking, such as sex crimes in the tourism sector, does not only adhere to legal provisions, but must be linked to the social environment of society. The operation of law in society is not only emphasized by applicable regulations, but is also influenced by the social environment of the community. Likewise, preventing and enforcing the law against human trafficking is not only sufficient by making legal regulations that prohibit it, but also requires the participation of the community and government.

Persepsi tentang Film Kupu-Kupu Malam dan Kajian Pendidikan Agama Kristennya

“Kupu-kupu Malam” is a beautiful name commonly mentioned by Indonesian citizens for women who work as Commercial Sex Workers. There are various reasons why these women fall into the night world. One of them is faced by Laura, who is played by Michelle Ziudith in the film “Kupu-kupu Malam”. Film is a medium made by humans and is even lifted from the reality of human life. She had to enter the world of prostitution to finance her sister, who was seriously ill because they were orphans and did not have a single family, and the various consequences that she had to face alone for her decision. Starting from having to divide her time to study, working as a “Kupu-kupu Malam”, checking and seeing the development of her sister's health, and accepting the negative stigma and discrimination by society, especially by the man she loves and her family. Talking about night butterfly women among Indonesian people is a sensitive thing, especially if it is done by the closest people because it is an activity that is contrary to the norms of society and the teachings of every religion in Indonesia. The film “Kupu-kupu Malam” premiered on November 25, 2022, and was watched by many young people. They expressed various responses regarding the content and roles played by the film's characters. These responses are what make the author interested in writing it with the study of Christian Religious Education and using a qualitative method approach.

Intelligence-Led Policing To Reduce The Vulnerability Of Commercial Sex Workers Online In The Central Jakarta Metro Police Area

Various studies show that the crime rate against Commercial Sex Workers is very high. However, official data often shows that crimes against Commercial Sex Workers are low. This phenomenon was also found in the Central Jakarta Metro Police area. Various vulnerabilities that afflict Commercial Sex Workers in the region have been found. The evaluation was conducted to measure awareness of protection against commercial sex workers by members of the Central Jakarta Metro Police, identify reasons for underreporting of crimes by online sex workers, assess protection against online commercial sex workers, and the involvement of commercial sex workers in law enforcement. This study uses an intelligence-led policing approach based on intelligence analysis with a qualitative approach. The results show that increasing awareness of protection is still very much needed in the Central Jakarta Metro Police environment. In addition, there are still obstacles to reporting crimes by commercial sex workers. Protection against online sex workers needs to be improved, but it needs to be supported by better cooperation. It is recommended to continue to evaluate and enhance weaknesses to improve the response and protection of online sex workers.

Negosiasi Antara PSK (Pekerja Seks Komersial) Dengan Pelanggan (Tamu) Di Kota Bengkulu

Commercial Sex Workers) in Bengkulu City and customers (guests) in maintaining relationships. This research method is descriptive qualitative. The technique for determining informants in this research used random sampling techniques. Data collection techniques used observation, interviews and documentation. Data analysis techniques use data reduction, data display (data presentation) and conclusion drawing/verification. Based on the research results, it was concluded that interpersonal communication patterns can be broken down into several stages, including the contact stage, involvement stage, familiarity stage, destruction stage and termination stage. These stages can describe the communication pattern between prostitutes in Bengkulu City. Interpersonal communication in prostitution transactions is considered effective because of several characteristics of interpersonal communication. The first thing that stands out is the openness between prostitutes and guests. Openness in online prostitution transactions is defined as clarity in providing information from both parties, where both parties agree to continue the negotiation process. Secondly, empathy is the ability to know what other people feel. This includes when prostitutes and customers understand each other. Third, positive feelings (positiveness), a positive attitude in interpersonal communication means that prostitutes and customers view themselves positively and respect other people, using polite language when communicating. Fourth, equality, in this case the desires between prostitutes and customers. which has one goal.

Crossroads of Choice: A qualitative study of the factors influencing decisions to transition from sex work among women engaged in sex work in Southern Uganda.

Background Women Engaged in commercial Sex Work (WESW) are exposed to behavioral, biological, and structural factors that exacerbate their risk to HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections. While commercial sex work may appear voluntary, WESW are more likely to be constrained to selling sex due to limited viable alternatives. To effectively support this vulnerable group of women, it is critical to understand factors that facilitate and impede their decisions to transition from sex work into other careers or jobs. The current study explored women's decision to transition from sex work into other careers or jobs. Methods Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 53 WESW aged 20-47 enrolled within a larger study-Kyaterekera study, a randomized clinical trial (N = 542) implemented in 19 HIV hotspots in the Southern region of Uganda. Participants were selected based on their intervention attendance (high/medium/low attendance). The interviews were conducted in Luganda the widely spoken language in the study area to explore the factors influencing women's decisions to from transition from sex work to other jobs or careers. The main interview question used for this study was, "What are some of the factors that may influence whether you would transition from sex work to other jobs or vocations?". All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated into English. Thematic analysis in Dedoose software was used to analyze the data. Results Participants reported three primary types of decisions, including considering leaving sex work, deciding to leave, and continuing sex work. The emerging themes from the interviews were categorized into individual and structural level facilitators and barriers to leave sex work. Individual level factors included issues of stigma, discrimination, and aging as factors that facilitated women's decision to leave sex work. At the structural level, factors which include interpersonal stigma and discrimination (from immediate family and community members), physical and sexual violence and income related factors were identified as facilitators and barriers to leaving sex work. Conclusion Our study highlights the complex decision-making processes among WESW as they navigate transitions to alternative jobs or careers. By advocating for multifaceted interventions and policies tailored to the diverse challenges faced by WESW, our study contributes to a more informed approach to supporting their transition out of sex work.

PERAN PEMERINTAH DESA DALAM PENCEGAHAN DAN PENANGGULANGAN PENYEBARLUASAN PEKERJA SEKS KOMERSIAL (PSK) DI EKS LOKASI PROSTITUSI SUMBER LOH DESA BENELAN KIDUL

Role Of The Village Government In The Prevention And Control Of The Distribution Of Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs) In The Former Prostitution Location Of Sumber Loh Benelan Kidul Village. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of the village government in the prevention and control of the distribution of Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs) in the former prostitution location of Sumber Loh, and to find out what internal and external factors are hampering the village government in preventing and controlling the spread of CSWs in the former prostitution location Sumber Loh, Benelan Kidul Village. The results of the study show that the role of the village government in the prevention and control of the distribution of Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs) in Sumber Loh has already been carried out, such as: first the 1x24 forward must report to the local RT, data must be reported to the above village government unit once a month. Third Da'wah with a spiritual splash or routine recitation conducted at Sumber Loh. And fourthly Training or Empowerment for Benelan Kidul villagers in general. The roles are still in planning such as: firstly the empowerment effort by providing culinary tourism or a snack market near Sumber Loh. And second is the revitalization of the sports center carried out by the village government which is expected to narrow the scope of prostitution activities. While internal and external factors that hamper the role of the government are also still found. This is based on the results of interviews and observations that have been carried out, where the village head and some of his staff and elements in Sumber Loh as informants provide information to researchers for research needs.

Divided by unscalable iron wall: psychological consequences of botched social image among female commercial sex workers: a qualitative study from Kolkata, India

Divided by unscalable iron wall: psychological consequences of botched social image among female commercial sex workers: a qualitative study from Kolkata, India

Underground Economy And Taxation Of Prostitution (Literature Study In Indonesia)

Prostitution is actually an undergorund economy that is difficult to detect, because every commercial sex worker in this business is difficult to distinguish from ordinary people in general. In terms of taxation, tax is designed not to recognise assets obtained from legal activities, and from illegal activities, no matter whether the income is obtained from corruption, prostitution, human trafficking, illegal arms trade and even narcotics. As long as it is known that there is an increase in income or enjoyment, the state has the right to collect taxes. However, the relationship between prostitution and taxes is very sensitive. Prostitution business has a huge potential. Exploring the potential of this business if done massively will increase tax revenue significantly, but there is a trade off that DJP must face. In this case, DJP must also use the moral point of view prevailing in society. Taxing something illegal and immoral will indirectly give an opinion to the public that the state legalises the activity.

PEMBARUAN PENGATURAN PIDANA DEMI ERADIKASI PRAKTIK PROSTITUSI

The rapid technological advancement nowadays accelerates the spread of various forms of information, including information regarding prostitution practices. Meanwhile, from a legal perspective, a complete regulation on prostitution practices is at its minimum, and thus the impacts of the prostitution practices affect health aspects and drives social turmoil in the community. This research aims to review regulations related to prostitution practices, especially in the applicable criminal law in Indonesia, and propose factors that emphasizes a law reform, so that in the future, prostitution practices may be handled more thoroughly. This research uses a normative method, with secondary data that includes literary research and reviews on laws and regulations as well as an analysis method that uses a prescriptive technique. The conclusion resulting from this research reveals that in reality, several regional regulations have regulated prostitution practices, but nationally, there has not been any regulation that strictly regulates prostitution practices. The suggestions proposed by the researcher for the future is in a preventive and repressive form, which are clear limitations of prostitution practices, criminal act reform for pimps, criminalization for commercial sex workers (PSK), the use of double-track system in imposing sanctions, criminal act formulation, and criminal aggravation.

Predatory Helpfulness: A Replication (and Expansion) Study Examining Grooming and Recruitment Tactics in Sex Trafficking

ABSTRACT Sex trafficking occurs when a trafficker uses force, fraud, or coercion to trap their victim into exploitative commercial sex work. Focusing on the fraud and coercion, Basra et al. proposed a new framework, Predatory Helpfulness, which consists of a two-prong process of both a grooming stage priming the victim for seduction, and a recruitment stage which activates the victim into exploitative commercial sex. The Predatory Helpfulness framework provides cohesive terminology with which to organize, assess, and understand how traffickers form relationships with their intended victims. The current study used qualitative methods to evaluate the application of the Predatory Helpfulness framework in a geographically and ethnically diverse sample of sex trafficking survivors (n = 59). Participants were recruited both within the domestic United States and internationally. Results showed strong support for the presence of Predatory Helpfulness tactics. Specifically, 58 of the 59 participants described experiences matching Predatory Helpfulness tactics in both the grooming and recruitment stages; 50 of the 59 participants also spontaneously identified a relational shift that occurred between the grooming and recruitment stages. Additionally, findings support the idea that traffickers are far more likely to prevail upon those in crisis via multiple grooming tactics, and to do so quickly (i.e. move to shift the relationship into exploitation within six months). In sum, Predatory Helpfulness offers a clear way for legal actors to identify sex trafficking victims using both the federal legal definitions and survivors’ own language and narratives.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Knowledge and Attitude among Myanmar Women.

The global challenge posed by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and its manifestation as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is underscored by the prevalence of 5.9 million people living with HIV in the Asia-Pacific region in 2018. Myanmar, among Asian nations, faces a particularly high burden with a prevalence of 0.7% among adults aged 15-49. Despite the disproportionate impact on at-risk populations, including injection drug users and commercial sex workers, there is a scarcity of data on public awareness of HIV/AIDS in Myanmar. This study utilizes the 2015-2016 Myanmar Demographic Health Survey to assess the impact of socioeconomic factors on the knowledge and attitudes of women toward HIV/AIDS. The analysis encompasses 12,885 respondents, revealing that while 91.6% were aware of AIDS, <60% possessed accurate knowledge of HIV transmission. The study identifies significant variations in knowledge and attitudes based on age, region, residence type, education, wealth index, and media exposure. Notably, younger women aged 15-19 exhibited the lowest HIV/AIDS knowledge scores. Wealth and education emerged as key determinants influencing both knowledge and attitudes. The findings emphasize the need for tailored public health interventions to address the knowledge gap among women in different settings in Myanmar. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the temporal limitation of the study, as the data were collected in 2015-2016. Caution is advised in generalizing the results to the present day, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing research to capture the evolving landscape of HIV/AIDS awareness. This study contributes valuable insights that can inform targeted interventions, promoting awareness and prevention strategies in Myanmar's dynamic public health context.

"I'd Rather Be Broke Than Harmed": A Qualitative Analysis of the Experiences of People Engaged in Commercial Sex Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

People involved in commercial sex work during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those compelled to sell sex, faced multiple challenges to their safety and well-being. We explored, in real time, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people involved in commercial sex work and the broader commercial sex industry. Using a participatory action research approach, we interviewed 159 English- and Spanish-speaking adults who had engaged in commercial sex work under the direction of a third party in Sacramento County, California, within the past 5 years (approximately 2017-2022). As part of a larger study, our interview protocol included 1 question about the COVID-19 pandemic: "Has COVID-19 changed anything about your experience with sex work?" We transcribed and analyzed interviews using QSR-NVivo, a qualitative coding software. Participants described the effects of increased isolation, decreased demand, difficulty accessing social services, fear of contracting COVID-19, difficulty in following public health guidance on social distancing and wearing face masks, and how the pandemic resulted in some people entering or exiting commercial sex work. Most participants were familiar with recommended public health safety measures, but lack of agency and financial need limited their ability to comply with all recommendations. A lack of access to social services added stress to those most in need of emergency housing or substance use treatment and left them vulnerable to continued abuse. Stress and financial insecurity generally increased among people involved in commercial sex work during the pandemic, and no efforts were made to understand and mitigate the hardships that this population faced. Future research should address how to maintain social service availability during times of public health emergencies and other crises.

Spiritualitas Dan Resiliency Of Self Efficacy Pada Pekerja Seks Komersil Melalui Psikodrama

In August 2019, the Semarang City Government closed the Sunan Kuning localization. This community service aims to see a picture of spiritualism and resilience of self-efficacy in former female commercial sex workers who live in the Sunan Kuning area of ​​Semarang. Methods of using psychodrama. The participant profile shows that the majority are elementary school graduates at 53.8%, marital status is divorced at 61.5%. Observation results show that economic factors, loss of income as a prostitute, large number of children, separation from friends are the causes of sadness, anger, stress and feelings of fear after the closure of localization. Overall, psychodrama activities give rise to better thoughts and feelings, including being able to express sadness, a means of catharsis and the spirit of continuing entrepreneurship and becoming a better person.

Social and structural determinants associated with the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among female commercial sex workers in Dhaka City, Bangladesh.

Female commercial sex workers (FCSWs) bear higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among key populations. The association of structural determinants and STIs among FCSWs was not at the forefront of research earlier in Bangladesh. This study examined how structural factors correlate with the prevalence of STIs at physical/social/economic/policy levels among FCSWs in Dhaka city. 495 FCSWs were screened for HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis. Structural variables (Individual risks, high-risk sexual behaviors, work environments) were extracted from the previous multi-level study on FCSWs and analyzed in 2020 to determine whether macro/micro-structural factors were associated with STIs. The prevalence of STIs was 43.6% (95% CI: 39.1%-48). Most (n = 207/495) FCSWs were infected with Syphilis or Hepatitis B, only 1.8% had co-infection, and none was positive for HIV. Multiple logistic regression revealed that 'Individual risk' factors like age (≤18 years, adjusted odds ratio = AOR = .28; 18.1-29.9 years, AOR = .57), years in the sex industry (<1 year AOR = .15; 1-5 years, AOR = .39), and condoms as contraceptives (AOR = 2.7) were significantly associated with STIs. Considering 'High-risk behaviors' like monthly coitus with regular clients (AOR = .33), performing no anal sex ever (AOR = .03), and consistent condom use (AOR = .13) were less likely to be associated with STIs (P<0.05), while the association of ever group sex with STIs reported to double (AOR = 2.1). 'Work environment' like sex on roads/parks/shrines/markets (AOR = 2.6) and ever HIV-testing (AOR = 2.5) were significantly linked with STIs. However, micro-level factors like experiencing forced sex in the past year (AOR = 1.79) and condoms collected from hotel boys (AOR = .34) were significantly associated with STIs in the 'Hierarchical- model' with increasing model-power. 'Micro-structural' determinants predominated over 'Macro/policy-level factors' and profoundly influenced STIs. FCSWs need comprehensive and integrated interventions to promote accurate condom use perception, eliminate risky sexual behaviors, and provide quality reproductive health care. Necessary steps at the policy level are urgently needed to decriminalize commercial sex work.

Impact of Social Media on Child Prostitution Network in Pontianak City (Case Study of Rumah Aman Kota Pontianak)

The misuse of social media for child prostitution in Pontianak City has increased in recent years, this requires mutual attention. This study aims to describe the types of social media used by online prostitutes in interacting and communicating, and then to describe how social media forms child prostitution networks in Pontianak. The data collection methods carried out are observation, interview, documentation, and data analysis, while this study uses a descriptive qualitative research method approach. In this study, the subjects of this study were officers of the Pontianak City Safe House and the agency that revealed the case, namely the KPPAD team. The results of this study show that social media is an alternative for child commercial sex workers in Pontianak. Related to social media, the most widely used social media is MiChat and WhatsApp GB, besides that social media such as Facebook is also used but not the main one. Furthermore, the results of the study also show that the function of social media is divided into two, namely social media is access to involvement of children in prostitution cases, second social media can form new networks in child prostitution. From the two results of the study, it can be concluded that social media has formed online child prostitution through child online prostitution networks, namely these networks can be formed anytime, anywhere, and by anyone. In addition, as long as social media are labelled as media providers of prostitution services still exist and are easy to download, then social media can form or regenerate new networks.