AEGiS-15IAC: Vulnerability of sex workers to STD/HIV in the context of violence and other human rights violations.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Vulnerability of sex workers to STD/HIV in the context of violence and other human rights violations.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. TuOrD1122)

Banerjee A, Jana S, Bandyopadhyay N, Sengupta S
Rural and Urban Development and Sustainable Alternatives, Calcutta, India

BACKGROUND: This paper addresses the issue of violence and other human rights violations faced by sex workers, explores how it increases their vulnerability to STD/HIV and suggests interventions to address the problem.

METHODS: This 4-month ethnographic study covered 220 sex workers in Calcutta. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used. Extensive literature review was also undertaken.

RESULTS: In addition to violence faced before and during the process of trafficking, sex workers face violence from managers of the sex trade, local goons, clients, police. Sex workers also face societal violence (stigma, denial, discrimination etc.), psychological and economic violence. Over 87% of the respondents reported being physically threatened and 70% reported being physically assaulted. 48% reported physical injury. 56% reported being raped and 18% reported being gang raped. 37% reported being physically assaulted by police and 7% reported being raped by police while in custody. Complaints against the pol ice included 1. Verbal and physical abuse, 2. illegal/arbitrary arrests/detention, 3. rape, extortion or free sexual favours 4. refusal to record complaints. Trauma suffered by sex workers include physical pain, depression, shock, shame/guilt, anger, unwanted pregnancies and STDs.

CONCLUSIONS: Vulnerability of sex workers arise due to social and structural reasons, in addition to inadequate legal protection, misuse of state power and gross violations of human rights. The study highlights the need for supportive action to protect the rights of sex workers. In addition to legal reform, there is a need to make sex workers aware of their rights and to empower sex workers and their organisations to advocate for change. Specific recommendations include 1. Advocacy with police, law makers and judiciary, 2. Initiating changes in rape and health related laws, 3. Law reforms that will prevent arbitrary arrests, false charges, harassment and promote humane treatment in custody.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, Human Rights, Prostitution, Violence, HIV Infections, Rape, Organizations, Politics, Health Planning Guidelines, Humans, economics, organization & administration

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