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There is a growing body of literature on the barriers and facilitators to exiting the commercial sex industry, but little empirical research on how this process may be different for those who have experienced sex trafficking. In this study, we explored the barriers that people who have experienced sex trafficking encountered when they considered leaving their trafficker or leaving the commercial sex industry, as well as facilitators that helped them overcome those barriers. To address these questions, we used qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with 158 people who had experienced sex trafficking. Among study participants, the circumstances of leaving a trafficking situation incredibly varied. Most participants faced complex barriers to exiting their trafficking situation and their exit pathways reflected these differences. Despite these barriers, most study participants had left their traffickers. We found that there were two broad ways that study participants left their trafficking situations: either actively or passively. We discuss implications for service providers, law enforcement, and policymakers to help support individual agency and decision-making to better facilitate trafficking exit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research about the commercial sex industry rarely examines the women who are the clients purchasing sexual services. Examining how this challenges gender stereotypes through the undoing gender framework reveals how gender norms can be reshaped through contextual changes. Based on 3 years of ethnographic data from a high‐end bar in Tianjin, interviews with 27 female clients and 47 MSWs paint a complex picture of how some women adopted ungendered strategies regarding sexuality. As women take control of their own sexual behavior, they free themselves of some traditional societal expectations about their identity. Primarily motivated by pleasure and control, purchasing sex becomes a means for women to experience empowerment and self‐confidence by breaking with traditional gender norms and expectations. Undoing gender involves expanding gendered repertoires, with women finding empowerment in adopting a masculine model of sexuality. However, social stigma and personal efficacy indicate that gender deconstruction is a gradual process. The research contributes to understanding complex gender dynamics and sexual behaviors within commercial sex transactions, shedding light on societal norms and individual agency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The understudied bodily harm women experience after commercial sex (CS) may be partially explained by the prominence of Cartesian mind–body dualism in psychological science. Accordingly, we qualitatively explored the mind–body relationship among 79 female sex trafficking survivors. Survivors reported long-term negative alterations in feelings about the body, sex, and physical touch posttrafficking and these negative outcomes did not differ across women who self-perceived as consenting and women who self-perceived as forced. Implications for future research are presented, particularly on measuring dehumanization in CS which contributes to extensive harm even in the absence of physical aggression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To describe the characteristics of commercial sexual behavior of HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) and analyze its influencing factors. Methods An anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted through the recruitment of HIV-infected MSM by two social organizations in Chongqing. The x² test was used to compare the commercial sexual behavior of HIV infected with MSM with different social demographic characteristics, mental health status, and sexual behavioral characteristics. Multivariate Logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of commercial behavior. Results A total of 1 501 cases of HIV infection with MSM were investigated in this study. In total 12.50% of the respondents reported same-sex commercial sex in the past six months, of which 28.34% reported unprotected commercial sex behavior. The results of multivariate Logistic regression showed HIV-infected MSM with marital status as marriage/cohabitation (OR =2.345, 95%CI: 1.442-3.814), working status as part-time and others (OR=6.522, 95%CI: 3.575-11.900), monthly income exceeding 5 000 yuan (OR=7.890, 95%CI: 4.254-14.634), age of first sexual intercourse less than 18 years old (OR= 1.818, 95%CI: 1.014-3.260), using same-sex dating software (using one: OR=2.984, 95%CI: 1.477-6.030; using two: OR = 3.683, 95%C$: 1.650-8.221; using 3 and above: OR=21.777, 95%CI: 8.349-56.804), drinking (0R=2.528, 95%C$: 1.5684.074), and using Rush (OR=3.114, 95%CI: 1.988-4.877) were more likely to have commercial sexual behavior (P < 0.05). Conclusion The commercial sexual behavior of HIV infection with MSM is common in Chongqing, and the proportion of commercial sexual behavior without condom is high_ Comprehensive measures should be taken to intervene the drinking, Rush use, and commercial sexual behavior of this population in order to reduce the further spread of HIV/STIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to broaden the knowledge on the social perception of people who pay for commercial sex. An online questionnaire was distributed to 3126 young people in Spain. Respondents did not have a common perception about people who pay for sex, although several considered that a rich-buyer is associated with “partner”, “money”, “education” and “Spanish”; a risky-buyer meets the variables of “satisfying their domination needs”, “reaffirm masculinity”, “is violent” and “do not want to use preservative”; a low-status buyer has “limited money”, “is an immigrant” and “has a low level of education”; an insecure-buyer presents variables indicating that he is “insecure with the opposite sex” and “dissatisfied with their partner”; and a single-buyer “has no couple” and “is single”. These perceptions help to improve awareness campaigns against human trafficking and sexual exploitation and increase the visibility of the responsible parties who pay and encourage these crimes.

Despite extensive theory and research on the geography of crime, few studies have examined the geography of commercial sex and sex trafficking through a criminological lens. As such, this study explores how social disorganization and routine activities help explain the geography of commercial sex venues, specifically illicit massage businesses (IMBs) that host commercial sex. Because IMBs have also been linked to sex trafficking, understanding which environmental contexts are conducive to their presence may also help identify sex trafficking premises. Findings from hierarchical logistic regression models indicate that both theories point to significant correlates of IMB placement in census tracts and cities, yet neither theory provides a sufficient explanation alone. Implications for future research and policy will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Factory workers are a key population for HIV transmission in China, as they often engage in sexual risk behaviours. This study aims to evaluate sexual risk behaviours and associated factors among factory workers in Shenzhen, China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by using multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling. Full-time workers aged ≥18 years were eligible to participate in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were applied to assess factors associated with sexual risk behaviours. Results: A total of 2029 factory workers were included. Mean age was 37.2 (±4.4) years; 48.5% were men. Two-thirds (64.9%) had had vaginal intercourse. Their sexual risk behaviours included condomless sex with casual partners in the last sex episode (23.6%), multiple sex partners (11.5%) and engaging in commercial sex (8.4%), in the past year. Having HIV/AIDS knowledge (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.24–0.70) and using a condom at sexual debut (AOR 0.08, 95% CI 0.05–0.13) were factors associated with condomless sex with casual partners in the last sex episode. Males (AOR 3.03, 95% CI 1.96–4.69 and AOR 2.19, 95% CI 1.33–3.60), local workers (AOR 2.11, 95% CI 1.01–4.42 and AOR 3.42, 95% CI 1.63–7.21), being single (AOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.39–3.01 and AOR 2.49, 95% CI 1.61–3.87), having sexual debut aged <18 years (AOR 5.98, 95% CI 3.28–10.89 and AOR 3.34, 95% CI 1.74–6.39), and substance use (AOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.38–2.93 and AOR 4.43, 95% CI 2.85–6.87) were associated with both having multiple sex partners and engaging in commercial sex in the past year. Conclusions: Sexual risk behaviours were prevalent despite most participants having basic HIV/AIDS knowledge. Future workplace-based prevention programs should target factory workers and there should be a focus on enhanced sexual education to reduce HIV transmission in China. Sexual transmission has been the main mode of HIV transmission, and data on sexual risk behaviours among factory workers from various industries are scarce in China. Sexual risk behaviours that showed associations with certain characteristics and experience of sexual debut were prevalent among factory workers in Shenzhen, China. There are massive labour forces in China, indicating an urgent need to strengthen sexual health education and promote safer sexual behaviours among factory workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether to criminalize or legalize the purchase of sex has given rise to heated discussions and different policy initiatives. Opponents of the criminalization of sex-buying argue that prohibition pushes the sector underground, increasing the harm for women in prostitution. Proponents instead view prostitution as violence against women, calling for prohibition. Despite these debates, few studies examine the effect of prostitution laws on the quantity of sex bought. By employing unique data on attitudes to, and experiences of sex-buying behaviour in different prostitution regimes in eight European countries, the paper examines the relationship between prostitution law and sex-buying. The results are robust to the inclusion of a list experiment, and the findings suggest that people living in countries where purchasing sex is criminalized buy less sex than people living in countries where sex-buying is legal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the consequences of the experiences and situations for Latina transgender women in prostitution during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this research was to make this group more visible to the scientific research, which is especially lacking in Latin America. The results are based on a mixed research design corresponding with three in-depth interviews and twenty-one standardized questionnaires with migrant Latin transgender women engaged in commercial sex in Spain. The most relevant problems mentioned during the interviews and questionnaires were: a) food and housing insecurity reinforced by the pandemic, as well as other gender identity needs; b) high vulnerability to violence in addition to a lack of access to reporting and protection systems; c) decrease of physical and mental health, in addition to the lack of medical access when needed in cases of irregular situation reinforced during the lockdowns; d) social and labor discrimination, which promote the engagement in prostitution; e) economic necessity that motivates them to be involved in the sex industry; f) the presence of possible victims of human trafficking or exploitation in the sample of this study who are not detected as such. In conclusion, migrant transgender women in prostitution in Spain experienced several difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic, which were related to social vulnerability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial sex policies are often at the core of many anti-trafficking efforts, yet rigorous empirical evidence about the effectiveness of these policies in preventing sex trafficking is lacking. In response to ongoing debates about which commercial sex laws and policies would help prevent sex trafficking, we seek to contribute to more nuanced discussions on commercial sex policies in relation to sex trafficking victimizations. The purpose of this essay is to identify the pitfalls in the debate on how to govern commercial sex markets, emphasizing 1) the lack of recognition of the variation in laws and policies on commercial sex; 2) the moral instead of empirical underpinnings of the debate; 3) ambiguous and stigmatizing notions of vulnerability to sex trafficking victimizations; and 4) a continued reliance on a traditional criminal justice system response that may cause harm to victims. We conclude with five premises to promote more nuanced, inclusive, and collaborative debates and governance of commercial sex markets that allow countries and local jurisdictions to move away from response models for which harm-reducing effects are either unknown or refuted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and aimsSmoking methamphetamine is associated with increased risk of HIV among female sex workers (FSW). The structural context of substance use is an important shaper of individual behaviour; however, structural determinants of methamphetamine use among FSWs are largely unknown. We identified individual, structural and neighbourhood factors associated with smoking methamphetamine among FSWs in the border city of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.Design and methodsA prospective cohort of 301 FSWs sampled from indoor and outdoor sex work venues throughout Tijuana participated in quantitative surveys on behaviours and mapping of home and work neighbourhoods across three visits. Multinomial logistic regression using generalised estimating equations identified individual, structural and neighbourhood variables associated with smoking methamphetamine.ResultsMethamphetamine use, particularly smoking, was highly prevalent among FSWs. Over half (61%) of FSWs had ever used methamphetamine in their lifetime and at baseline, 38% currently smoked methamphetamine. Smoking methamphetamine daily was associated with living in the red light district [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.23-6.02] and with perceived homelessness, but only among women in a good financial situation (AOR = 4.08, 95% CI = 1.58-10.50). Smoking methamphetamine less than daily was associated with older age (AOR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02-1.10).Discussion and conclusionsOur findings point to the important dynamic between the residential environment and more severe methamphetamine use. FSWs may prioritise the purchase of methamphetamine over stable housing if they have the financial means. Given the high prevalence of smoking methamphetamine among FSWs in Tijuana, drug treatment options, especially for women living in the red light district, are needed.

Background: In the context of China's gender imbalance and marriage squeeze, this study measured the overall characteristics of egocentric sexual networks, and examined the associations between sexual network characteristics and risky sexual behaviours, including commercial sex, concurrent partners and homosexual sex, among rural–urban male migrant workers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on data obtained from 713 Chinese men (age ≥28 years) with rural household registration and who were migrants (or had rural–urban migration experience) in 2017. Logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between participants' sexual network characteristics and risky sexual behaviours. Results: Adjusting for participants' sociodemographic characteristics, the sexual network variables of partner age, partner marital status, partner type and relationship stability were found to be significantly associated with commercial sex. Partner type and relationship stability were also associated with concurrent partners and homosexual sex. The network characteristics of male migrant workers not only differed by marital status, but the associations between sexual network characteristics and risky sexual behaviours were more pronounced among unmarried male migrant workers. Conclusions: Overall, sexual networks with mixed patterns of partner age, partner marital status, partner type and relationship stability may explain the HIV transmission from male migrants to other populations at the population level. Future research should focus on the determinants of structured sexual networks, and be used to identify key groups at risk for cross-population HIV transmission and implement intervention measures. The sexual network constitutes the pathway of HIV transmission, and it is crucial for understanding and preventing the spread of HIV. The results showed that the sexual network variables of partner age, partner marital status, partner type and relationship stability were significantly associated with risky sexual behaviours. Future research should focus on the determinants of structured sexual networks and identify key groups at risk for cross-population HIV transmission to improve intervention measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing body of academic literature has directed attention toward the buyers of commercial sex as calls to address the demand side of this underground industry have steadily increased. The presence of violence in the commercial sex market has been extensively documented, compelling scholars to examine how the clientele contribute to this phenomenon and in what ways they can be distinguished from the general population. Empirical evidence gives reason to believe sex buying and sexual violence are connected but also raises questions about the nature and degree of this relationship. Further, findings in this area have been inconclusive as the mechanisms underlying how commodification translates into aggression remain underdeveloped. The current inquiry contributes to the field by synthesizing existing knowledge on sex buyers with correlates of sexual violence. This article compares and contrasts the risk factors for both sex buying and sexual violence and identifies areas where findings have been inconsistent. The discussion concludes with theoretical and methodological recommendations for improving our understanding of violence against women in the modern commercial sex market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is aimed at investigating the way toys are used within BDSM practices. “Toys”, as a term, encompasses a wide variety of objects such as gags, cuffs, or whips which form the material bedrock for BDSM sexualities. At the same time, the presence of so many objects within sexual practices is a cause of anxiety, evident even in specialist scholarship on kink. Drawing on examples from my fieldwork among Polish BDSM practitioners, I will be attempting to provide a different perspective on the role of toys in kink, one that does not replicate the anxieties about fetishism and commodification, while at the same time attending to the queer use of everyday objects that is so common within the world of BDSM.

This paper examines the representation of indigenous bodies, namely those of women and young men, in observations made by the Russian imperial elite in Central Asia during the late nineteenth century. Civilising agenda, a central framework used by these observers, relied on interweaving empire-building efforts with colonised bodies. While indigenous women were fundamental in these narratives, they remained largely invisible to the male colonial enterprise, which, in turn, sought to make them visible through medicine and commercial sex. The latter combined the elite's anxieties over native sexualities with the desire to control and gain a glimpse of women's bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the motives, behaviors, demographic characteristics, and deterrence strategies of those involved in purchasing commercial sex have focused on samples of men. Through an online survey of men (n = 381) and women who purchase sex (n = 143) in the United States, this study provides an exploratory examination on the differences of purchasing by gender. While men reported purchasing sexual services at a higher rate, women who purchased were less likely to be in a relationship. No differences in the deterrence of purchasing were found by gender, yet current deterrence strategies were not found to be effective among the sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article uses police and city administration files to explore the local level management of commercial sex in Cologne between the years 1956 and 1972, which was increasingly determined by processes of concealment, displacement and segregation. Of particular interest is the Sperrbezirk or 'restricted area' intended to banish women selling sex from public view, which is viewed historically in combination with the tolerance of so-called 'prostitute residences' and the opening of an Eros-Center in 1972. These local measures are analysed in their implementation, with a focus on the impact of city administrators, residents and women who sold sex in determining the moral geographies of the city's sex industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundThere are few studies investigating group sex among female sex workers (FSWs). This study aimed to examine the typical number of group sex participants, sexual activities and condom use in group sex among FSWs attending a sexual health clinic in Melbourne, Australia.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey between May 1, 2019 and March 13, 2020 among FSWs in Melbourne. Participants were asked whether they had participated in group sex (sex involving more than two participants) within the past 3 months, the size of the most recent group sex event, sexual activities they engaged in and condom use. It is unknown whether this was a paid or unpaid event in our study.ResultsOf the 247 FSWs surveyed, the mean age was 28.9 years and 51.8% were born in Australia. More than a quarter (27.5%, n = 68) had had group sex in the past 3 months with the number of events ranging from 1 to 10 times. The median size of the group was 3 participants with one man and two women (including the FSW) being the most common combination. Kissing was the most common activity in group sex. Of 58 FSWs who had vaginal sex during group sex, 77.3% (51/58) reported their male partners always used condoms but 13.7% (7/51) of these did not change condoms between women.ConclusionThis study finds that group sex is common among FSWs. Although condoms are always used during group sex, one in six men did not change their condoms between partners, which may increase STI transmission between partners.

Female sex workers (FSWs) are women who engage in sexual behavior with others for monetary compensation. The FSW community has comparable demographic characteristics to the overall population, with a focus on youth, low education, and high mobility. Some women engage in sex trafficking on purpose, not to earn money, but to violate social norms. Feminists who grow up in broken or dysfunctional homes have their familial support networks disturbed. Disruptions to the financial support network include forced departures due to financial restrictions, unemployment, and so on. Women's decisions to enter the sector are significantly influenced by peer behavior. Sexual assault may have a detrimental effect on an individual's viewpoint, self-awareness, and emotional capacity. While the majority of FSWs are motivated by economic considerations, a sizable percentage is driven to prostitution. Other women forced into the sex trade have great things to say about it, and when given the opportunity to leave, some opt to stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of studying the specifics of self-concept in women, practicing commercial sex. 61 women aged 18-37 were examined, with 32 of them working in "intimacy parlors" (M±SD=25,94±5,30) and 29 socially adapted women (M±SD=27,69±4,69). It was checked whether there are differences in personality organization between the women engaged in prostitution and the socially adapted ones. It is revealed that the women engaged in sex-services don't feel themselves belonging to their professional community or their particular social standing. They associate their interests, resources and leisure time with the time they spend at work, and are also distinguished by deficient responsibility and inconstancy; from those around them such women expect stereotypical attitude towards themselves. In psychologically meaningful and stressful situations they tend to lower their mental and emotional strain or avoid it through deviant behavior. Prostitutes are distinguished by strong tendencies towards depression, suppressed aggression and self-aggression. Significant correlation has been established between prostitutes' self-attitude and their psychological make-up (sovereignty of their psychological personal space, aggressiveness, coping behavior).

Abstract Background Some male heterosexual clients prefer to visit a cross-border Female Sex Worker (FSW) because of cheaper sex and unsafe sex practices, and may therefore be at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STI). The objective of this study was to assess whether having commercial cross-border sex is an independent risk factor for being diagnosed with a STI. Methods An observational retrospective study was performed using data of 8 Dutch STI clinics bordering Germany, between 2011 and 2013. All male heterosexual clients of FSWs were selected and data on country of FSW visit and occurrence of STI were used for multivariable regression analysis. Results The study population consisted of 2664 clients of FSW. Most clients visited the Netherlands (82.4%), followed by visits to another country (beyond cross-border) (9.9%) and cross-border visits (7.8%). Clients of FSW were less likely to be STI positive when they were younger than 25 years(OR = 0.6, 95%CI 0.4 to 0.8 25–44 years and OR = 0.5, 95%CI 0.4 to 0.7 older than 45 years), and more likely when they had 20 or more sex partners in the last 6 months (OR = 2.9, 95%CI 1.9 to 4.4), did not use a condom during last sexual contact (OR = 2.2, 95%CI 1.6 to 2.9) and made cross-border visits (OR = 1.7, 95%CI 1.1 to 2.6). Conclusions As cross-border visits appears to be a novel independent risk factor for STI in clients of FSW, this group should therefore be advised on STI prevention.

La masificación del feminismo ha puesto nuevamente a la sexualidad en el centro de atención y se ha reavivado el debate sobre la prostitución. En este contexto, la campaña anti-trata responsabiliza a los varones que pagan por sexo, llamándolos “prostituyentes” y cuestionando su masculinidad bajo la idea de que los “hombres de verdad no compran mujeres”. Sin embargo, aun hay poca investigación empírica, en particular en nuestra región no se han estudiado los procesos por los cuales varones que pagan por sexo pasan a convertirse en clientes habituales. A partir de una etnografía virtual en dos foros argentinos de comercio sexual y de entrevistas en profundidad con varones que pagan por sexo, nos proponemos entender no sólo cómo un sujeto se torna un “cliente”, sino cómo se torna un “gatero” –según la jerga local–, es decir, un cliente que se reconoce en esa posición y forma parte de una comunidad. Llegar a ser un “gatero” involucra una serie de aprendizajes, internalización de pautas y valores, en estos procesos analizamos distintas ambivalencias y tensiones que los atraviesan. Buscamos entender cómo se produce una imagen del yo de estos varones que se va desplazando de algunos mandatos que marcan el desarrollo de la “hombría”.

Based on its prevalence, there is an urgent need to better understand the mechanisms, opportunities and risks of sexual interaction in digital contexts (SIDC) that are related with sexual arousal. While there is a growing body of literature on SIDC, there is also a lack of conceptual clarity and classification. Therefore, based on a conceptual analysis, we propose to distinguish between sexual interaction (1) through , (2) via , and (3) with digital technologies. (1) Sexual interactions through digital technologies are face-to-face sexual interactions that (a) have been started digitally (e.g., people initiating face-to-face sexual encounters through adult dating apps) or (b) are accompanied by digital technology (e.g., couples augmenting their face-to-face sexual encounters through filming themselves during the act and publishing the amateur pornography online). (2) Sexual interactions via digital technology are technology-mediated interpersonal sexual interactions (e.g., via text chat: cybersex; via smartphone: sexting; via webcam: webcam sex/camming). (3) Sexual interactions with digital technology occur when the technology itself has the role of an interaction partner (e.g., sexual interaction with a sex robot or with a media persona in pornography). The three types of SIDC and their respective subtypes are explained and backed up with empirical studies that are grouped according to two major mediators: consent and commerce. Regarding the causes and consequences of the three types of SIDC we suggest a classification that entails biological, psychological, social, economic, and technological factors. Regarding implications of SIDC we suggest to focus on both opportunities and risks for sexual health. The proposed conceptual framework of SIDC is meant to inform future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Female indirect commercial sex workers who usually work in certain fields of work or have other main jobs and indirectly sell sex in entertainment places such as masseuses, bar waiters. They are included in the high risk group in the spread of cases of Sexual Transmitted Infections and HIV and AIDS. In Indonesia, it is hoped that HIV AIDS will be free from Sexual Transmitted Infection by 2030 with the vision and mission “No more HIV transmission, no AIDS deaths, no more stigma and discrimination in people with HIV / AIDS”. This type of research uses quantitative descriptive research. with a sample of 80 female sex workers in Bandungan, Semarang. The results of this study indicate a significant relationship between customer support, access to health services, health promotion and control of sexually transmitted infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesTo describe the sociodemographic and sex work characteristics, recent sexual practices, HIV risk perception and testing history, and HIV and syphilis prevalence of Cercado (downtown) and non-Cercado (close urban) male sex workers (MSWs) in Lima, Peru.MethodsEighty-nine MSWs completed a self-administered survey and participated in HIV and syphilis testing.ResultsCercado MSWs had significantly lower median weekly earnings than non-Cercado MSWs (US$43 vs US$72, p=0.04). Most non-Cercado MSWs (81%) reported only insertive anal intercourse with male/transgender partners, while Cercado MSWs primarily reported only insertive (52%) or insertive and receptive (45%) anal intercourse (p=0.03). Consistent condom use was low with insertive and receptive anal intercourse in both subgroups. Among MSWs with recent female partners, condom use with the last partner was lower among Cercado versus non-Cercado MSWs for vaginal sex (37% vs 65%, p=0.04) and anal sex (27% vs 80%, p=0.01). More Cercado than non-Cercado MSWs (57% vs 42%) perceived high HIV risk (p=0.05) and Cercado MSWs had a much higher prevalence than non-Cercado MSWs of HIV (23% vs 4%, p=0.04) and syphilis (22% vs 0%, p=0.02) infections.ConclusionsMSWs in Lima are diverse and Cercado MSWs are 'just getting by,' engaging in more risk behaviours, and more likely to have HIV/STIs. Future research should identify, describe and carry out HIV/STI testing with broader groups of MSWs and their client and non-client partners. Prevention efforts should provide HIV/STI risk reduction education for MSWs and related subgroups who are currently not targeted such as female partners.

In this introduction to the special section 'female clients of commercial sex', we start by an overview of the early interest in research on male clients of commercial sex and the tendency to criminalize and pathologize them. Then, we will question and discuss the lack of interest and the difficulties of researching women clients. Subsequently, we will look at the literature investigating women paying for sex to better understand and situate the research included in this section. After that, we will examine the contributions of the articles included in this special section and finish by reflecting on the meaning of this issue for future research on sex work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of scholarly works have observed Western and Japanese women travelers who seek romance and adventure with local "beach boys" in the Global South. Despite the important criticism of geopolitical inequality contained in these works, what is missing is how those involved in such commodified sexual relationships make sense of what they do. This essay focuses on how well-heeled Japanese married women, who are concerned with the meaning and effects of aging, pursue a commodified form of sexual intimacy as a means to rediscover their sense of sexual subjectivity. How do they perceive their own involvement in sexual commerce? What kinds of sexual power dynamics do these women and their younger, precarious male partners shape at the intersection of gender, age, and class? How do these women make sense of the apparently masculine act of paying for sex, which requires them to transgress cultural norms of feminine passivity in sexual matters? By posing these questions, this article provides a fine-grained portrayal of a particular kind of feminist agency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between commercial sex and intimacy has been in focus in a number of studies on the purchase of sex, often distinguishing between one-time visitors and regular customers. This article is based on a study exploring how men who buy sex as one-time visitors navigate between commercialization and intimacy in a Swedish context. Based on interviews with 29 Swedish men purchasing sex, an inductive thematic analysis has been applied. The findings show how the men in this study balance between excitement and trust when purchasing sex, and how trust work is crucial for the purchase of sex not to be experienced as dangerous and instead pleasurable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Though highly vulnerable to HIV and STIs, transgender female sex workers (TFSWs) are understudied in the US HIV and STI response. This study examined the correlates of laboratory-confirmed STIs among a cohort of 62 TFSWs followed over the course of 1 year and explored associations between specimen site and self-reported engagement in insertive and receptive anal intercourse.Methods: Participants completed an interviewer-administered computer-assisted personal interview at baseline, 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-month visits where self-administered anal swabs and urine samples for gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis were also collected. HIV testing was conducted at baseline, 6-month and 12-month visits.Results: Baseline HIV prevalence was 40.3% with no HIV seroconversions over follow-up. Baseline prevalence of gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis was 9.7%, 17.7% and 14.5%, respectively. In the multivariable regression modelling, recent arrest was significantly associated with testing positive for any STI (adjusted risk ratio (RR) 1.77; 95% CI: 1.10 to 2.84). Insertive anal sex with clients was associated with increased risk of testing positive for an STI via urine specimen (RR 3.48; 95% CI: 1.14 to 10.62), while receptive anal sex was not significantly associated with specimen site.Conclusion: Our findings confirm a high prevalence of STIs among TFSWs and highlight the importance of addressing structural drivers such as criminal justice involvement as well as the need to ensure screening for STIs at all anatomical sites regardless of self-reported sites of potential exposure. More research is needed to better understand HIV and STI vulnerabilities and appropriate interventions for TFSWs in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Recommendations of 'social distancing' and home quarantines to combat the global COVID-19 pandemic have implications for sex and intimacy, including sex work. This study examined the effects of COVID-19 on male sex work globally and investigated how men who sold sex responded to and engaged with the virus in the context of work.Methods: This study made use of an existing database of deidentified data extracted from the online profiles maintained by male sex workers on a large, international website. Website engagement metrics were calculated for the periods before (September to December 2019) and during COVID-19 (January to May 2020); Poisson regression analyses were used to assess changes over time before and after, while a content analysis was undertaken to identify modes of engagement with the virus.Results: Data were collected from 78 399 profiles representing 19 388 individuals. In the 'before' period, the number of active profiles was stable (inter-rate ratio (IRR)=1.01, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.01, p=0.339) but during COVID-19 decreased by 26.3% (IRR=0.90, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.91, p<0.001). Newly created profiles also decreased during COVID-19 (59.4%; IRR=0.71, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.74, p<0.001) after a period of stability. In total, 211 unique profiles explicitly referenced COVID-19; 185 (85.8%) evoked risk reduction strategies, including discontinuation of in-person services (41.2%), pivoting to virtual services (38.9%), COVID-19 status disclosure (20.9%), enhanced sanitary and screening requirements (12.3%) and restricted travel (5.2%). Some profiles, however, seemed to downplay the seriousness of COVID-19 or resist protective measures (14.7%).Conclusions: These findings support the contention that COVID-19 has dramatically impacted the sex industry; globally, male sex workers may be facing considerable economic strain. Targeted education and outreach are needed to support male sex workers grappling with COVID-19, including around the most effective risk reduction strategies. Those involved with the sex industry must have access to state-sponsored COVID-19 financial and other aid programmes to support individual and public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the external borders between Finland and its neighbouring countries have become more permeable for some migrants after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the EU enlargement, the internal borders have become more ubiquitous and enforced by various kinds of bordering practices. Drawing on a qualitative research on Russian-speaking women engaged in commercial sex in Finland, we have examined the everyday material consequences of policies and bordering practices. We have distinguished different sites in which everyday bordering takes place: rental markets, banking and law enforcement. Our analysis demonstrates the importance of analysing commercial sex from an everyday perspective. This perspective reveals that even women with formal citizenship can be subjected to various bordering practices due to the criminalisation of commercial sex and the stereotypes attached to Russianspeaking women. We have argued for the need to expand on the notion of “deportability” as it not only concerns non-citizens but also naturalised foreigners.

Making women’s bodies accessible to men in the commercial context is related to specific ways of experiencing it. The purpose of the article is to discuss the category of a non-present, selectively present, and present body, which refers to ways in which female sex workers experience their bodies during commercial sex acts. There will also be conditions listed that correspond to the occurrence of each of these categories. The article is based on qualitative data (mainly unstructured interviews), which were analyzed in accordance with the procedures of grounded theory methodology.

Human trafficking is a public health social work issue. This review aimed to present the current state (nature and extent) of sex trafficking research, categorize best practices, and identify recommendations for professionals. Comprehensive literature searches of online databases were conducted to identify eligible articles from January 2000 to March 2019. The search yielded 467 studies, 87 met the predetermined criteria for inclusion. Seven themes identified: awareness, identification, at-risk populations, health issues, implementation of trafficking legislation, service and program implementation, and exploiters. Findings indicate the need for additional research to determine the most effective practices to increase awareness and identification, widespread TVPA implementation, reduce risk factors and resulting health disparities, offer services to survivors and prevention of potential victims. There should be significant efforts to enhance all sex trafficking research in the United States to implement effective, sustainable and evidence-based interdisciplinary interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Group sex is associated with increased risk of HIV and sexually transmissible infections (STIs), but there is limited data on group sex among female sex workers (FSW). Understanding current group sex practices among FSW may assist with understanding and addressing the rise in STIs observed among Australian FSW in the 2010s. The aim of this study was to examine the proportion of FSWs who had engaged in group sex.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among FSWs attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Australia, between March and April 2019. Females aged ≥18 years who self-reported as a sex worker were invited to participate in the survey asking whether they had had group sex in the past 3 months. Group sex was defined as sex that involved two or more sexual partners.Results: Of the 51 FSWs who completed the survey, the median age was 29 years (IQR 24-34). Almost half (49%; n = 25) reported having group sex in the past 3 months, with a median number of group sex events of two (IQR 1-4). Australian-born FSW were more likely to report group sex than overseas-born FSW (76% vs 42%; P = 0.02). Age, number of paid clients and injecting drug use were not associated with group sex.Conclusion: The present study findings show that group sex is common among FSW and should be included in peer sexual health education and interventions among FSW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this qualitative study was to understand Nepali female sex workers' (FSWs) condom negotiation strategies. In 2016, we conducted 30 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with street- and brothel-based FSWs residing in Kathmandu, Nepal. Participants reported that their first entry into sex work typically occurred between the ages of 17–32, and the average duration of women's involvement with sex work was 8 years. FSWs reported high knowledge and awareness of condoms, and many women had used various sexual and reproductive health services. FSWs used three types of negotiation strategies: withholding or refusing sex, providing risk information, and direct request. While some FSWs believed that these strategies were useful and successful, we found that, for some women, condom negotiation strategies were difficult to implement due to fear of abuse and threats of violence by clients. Condom negotiation was further complicated by poverty and substance abuse, and several narratives revealed the influence of gender and social norms on safe sexual practices. The findings highlight the need for improved sexual health interventions that incorporate a range of negotiation strategies and techniques (e.g., nonverbal communication and reward strategies) and aim to mitigate harm and violence against FSWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some male heterosexual clients prefer to visit a cross-border Female Sex Worker (FSW) because of cheaper sex and unsafe sex practices, and may therefore be at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STI). The objective of this study was to assess whether having commercial cross-border sex is an independent risk factor for being diagnosed with a STI.Methods: An observational retrospective study was performed using data of 8 Dutch STI clinics bordering Germany, between 2011 and 2013. All male heterosexual clients of FSWs were selected and data on country of FSW visit and occurrence of STI were used for multivariable regression analysis.Results: The study population consisted of 2664 clients of FSW. Most clients visited the Netherlands (82.4%), followed by visits to another country (beyond cross-border) (9.9%) and cross-border visits (7.8%). Clients of FSW were less likely to be STI positive when they were younger than 25 years(OR = 0.6, 95%CI 0.4 to 0.8 25-44 years and OR = 0.5, 95%CI 0.4 to 0.7 older than 45 years), and more likely when they had 20 or more sex partners in the last 6 months (OR = 2.9, 95%CI 1.9 to 4.4), did not use a condom during last sexual contact (OR = 2.2, 95%CI 1.6 to 2.9) and made cross-border visits (OR = 1.7, 95%CI 1.1 to 2.6).Conclusions: As cross-border visits appears to be a novel independent risk factor for STI in clients of FSW, this group should therefore be advised on STI prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breastfeeding has numerous health, environmental, and economic benefits, and the promotion and support of breastfeeding has been at the centre of efforts from many global organizations such as WHO and UNICEF to promote maternal and child health. Interventions developed from such policies tend to be inaccessible to those who are economically marginalized, however, and thus may further inequities. Understanding the lived experiences of women occupying this segment of society, such as sex workers, illuminates the social and structural determinants of breastfeeding and how they constitute structural vulnerability that renders breastfeeding difficult. This qualitative study explores breastfeeding practices and decisions among sex workers in Mumbai and the factors shaping their experiences. We look at proximal factors—those that women directly indicate as influencing their breastfeeding decision‐making or behaviour, and distal factors—macrolevel forces identified by the women, as indication of their structural vulnerability, particularly in relationship to the decision to initiate and sustain breastfeeding. We conclude with discussing the need to promote appropriate infant feeding practices through culturally responsive interventions and mechanisms, taking both proximal and distal factors into account, to work towards equity in health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Magister: Revista de Formación del Profesorado e Innovación Educativa is the property of Universidad de Oviedo, Servicio de Publicaciones and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Sex trafficking is recognized as a national problem that inflicts serious harm on its victims, yet, legislative responses to trafficking vary depending on jurisdiction. Federal legislation considers youths who engage in commercial sex acts as trafficking victims. States, however, vary in the evidence required to prove a juvenile is a victim of sex trafficking, as opposed to an offender of prostitution. Using four years of data from the National Incident-Based Reporting System, we compared details of commercial sex incidents involving youths who were identified as trafficking victims or arrested as prostitutes. Beyond legislative differences, comparisons between cases are discussed to illuminate how state law enforcement officials legally classify these events involving adolescents (i.e., as victims or prostitutes). Further, we consider the policy implications of the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]