Experiencing Justice Delivery: Women Exploited for Commercial Sex Speak. Issue 1 (April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Menezes, Sharon
• Is Part Of: Journal of victimology and victim justice. Volume 2:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 11
• Page End: 25
• Publication Date: 2019-04
• Subjects: Victims -- Immoral Traffic Prevention Act -- commercial sex -- rescue -- custody -- procedural justice; Victims of crimes -- Periodicals; Criminals -- Periodicals; 364
• DOI: 10.1177/2516606918819286
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2516-6069

Abstract

Based on a phenomenological study conducted in the state of Maharashtra, India, this article draws attention to how women with current and former engagements in commercial sex perceived delivery of justice. The article voices women's responses to protective and penal measures enacted by the state through the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act (1956). Protective sections include rescue of persons, their intermediate custody and assessing prospects for rehabilitation. Penal sections include arrest of managers and pimps, punishment for keeping a brothel and living off the earnings of prostitution and soliciting in the vicinity of public places. The article points to women's lack of participation and voice in the delivery of justice and highlights the need for attention to procedural justice in the context of justice delivery.