Intimate Partner Violence and HIV Risks among Female Sex Workers of Mumbai, India

Abstract

This research explored intimate partner violence (IPV) and HIV risks among female sex workers of Mumbai, India. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 sex workers to explore their experiences of IPV in the context of commercial sex work. Severe forms of physical, sexual, and emotional violence were reported by sex workers. Outcomes of IPV were inability to negotiate safe sex, substance abuse, and negative perceptions of men. This article also discusses sex workers’ responses and methods of resisting IPV. With increasing HIV infections among sex workers in Mumbai, this study draws attention to the need for field-based, gender-sensitive HIV prevention efforts that incorporate violence prevention.

Keywords:

• sex work
• India
• HIV
• Mumbai
• intimate partner violence

Acknowledgments

This study was also conducted in collaboration with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), an educational and social research institute based in Mumbai, India. The Women's Studies Department at TISS funded the research and provided technical assistance.