Working in the Dark: A Look at the Violence Risk of the Street Prostitution Service

ABSTRACT

Literature has shown that social exclusion can lead to vulnerability in the ability of a person to secure a decent standard of living. Among other vulnerable groups, street sex workers are subject to high levels of social exclusion. This study surveyed 140 street sex workers in Taiwan and investigated the factors associated with the risk for violence and assault by other sex workers and clients. In particular, this study quantifies the effects of sociodemographics, working conditions, and client characteristics related to the risk for violence. Results showed that violence risks from both clients and other sex workers are positively correlated. Prices charged for prostitution services, years in business, workplace, and risky behavior of the sex workers were significant determinants of risks. Moreover, the sociodemographic characteristics of the clients are also important for assessing the sex workers' risk for violence. Findings from this study can provide useful information for social service policies to reduce physical risks against sex workers.

KEYWORDS:

• Social exclusion
• physical violence
• prostitution
• sex workers
• Taiwan

Notes

1. The five sections in this survey included Personal Characteristics, Working Conditions and Forms, Health Conditions and Prevention, Violence and Safety Experiences, and Policy Suggestions.

2. During the period in which the survey was conducted, the 140 respondents were about 60% of the street sex worker population in the district, as estimated by the police.

3. A continuous measure for the client's age was not used for two reasons. First, only a categorical measure of client age was documented in the survey. Moreover, two dummy variables were defined for clients aged 51 to 60 years and older than 60 years, respectively, because these two client age groups in particular may not look for sex services.