Prevalence and Correlates of Sexual Violence Experienced by Female Sex Workers in Iran: Results from a National HIV Bio-Behavioral Surveillance Survey. (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hosseini-Hooshyar, Samira; Mirzazadeh, Ali; Karamouzian, Mohammad; Sharifi, Hamid; Khajehkazemi, Razieh; Haghdoost, Ali-Akbar; Shokoohi, Mostafa
• Is Part Of: Violence against women. Volume 28:Number 3/4(2022)
• Page Start: 872
• Page End: 889
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: female sex workers -- violence -- social determinants of health -- Iran; Abused women -- Periodicals; Women -- Crimes against -- Periodicals; Violent crimes -- Periodicals; Femmes victimes de violence -- Périodiques; Femmes, Crimes contre les -- Périodiques; Crimes violents -- Périodiques; 362.8292
• DOI: 10.1177/10778012211008992
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-8012

Abstract

Sexual violence increases the risk of adverse health outcomes among female sex workers (FSWs). Using data from the 2015 national bio-behavioral survey, we explored the experience of sexual violence and its associated factors among Iranian FSWs. Lifetime and recent sexual violence were reported by 40.1% and 16.9%, respectively. History of substance use, ever engaging in anal sex, engaging in group sex within the last year, a high number of clients, recent unstable housing, and incarceration increased the likelihood of experiencing recent sexual violence. These findings underscore the need for community-empowerment and policy-level interventions to address violence among FSWs in Iran.