Sex Work and Sex Workers

Abstract

(from the chapter) The emergence of HIV/AIDS in the Western world has revived the association of sex workers with sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS. The issues underlying sex work are diverse and require consideration of the linkages between policy, behavior, attitude and contextual factors involved in transactional sex and HIV transmission. Many sex workers rights groups and human rights groups contend that it is not sex work per se that makes sex workers vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, but rather the policies associated with sex work. The double stigma against sex workers infected with HIV is often used to justify abuse and repression in many countries. Sex work is broadly defined as the exchange of money or goods for sexual services, either on a regular basis or occasionally, involving male, female, and transgender individuals; coercion or voluntary decision may be involved. For some, it may be the only income-generating option, or it may be a formal or informal temporary activity. Individuals who have exchanged sex for food, shelter, or protection (also known as "survival sex") would not consider themselves to be a formal sex worker. Future global health initiatives to reduce and address HIV/AIDS prevalence among sex worker populations must include fighting social stigma, decriminalization of sex work, and empowerment initiatives. Policy should be formed around reducing HIV infection rates and providing sex workers the resources to protect themselves. Mental health providers who have clients engaged in sex work will want to be aware of community resources that can assist their clients in accessing needed resources such as HIV testing and counseling. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved).