Elimination of violence against sex workers

Elimination of violence against sex workers
Sex workers are often victimized by violence, including gender-based violence, perpetrated
by clients, controllers, managers of sex work establishments, law enforcement officers50 and
other government officials. Sex workers may also experience violence and discrimination
from intimate partners51, families, neighbours, partners and work colleagues.52 They are
sometimes coerced into providing sex to police in exchange for freedom from detainment,
arrest and fines53. Violence is associated with unprotected sex and heightened risk of HIV
transmission. All people selling sex must be protected from violence, coercion and other
forms of abuse, and be ensured of their rights to legal assistance and access to judicial and
extra-judicial mechanisms. Experience teaches that violence towards sex workers can be
reduced when law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, health services, and other arms of
government are engaged and cooperate fully with sex worker organizations and other civil
society groups.54 Actions to protect sex workers should include addressing clients’ misuse of
alcohol and consequent violence towards sex workers.55