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Presented August 7, 2008 IAC – Mexico

Presented August 7, 2008 IAC – Mexico. Trends and Determinants of Gender Based Violence among Female Sex Workers in Kenya Jerry Okal. Introduction. Sexual and gender based violence has been widely reported but the nature and consequences is unknown

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Presented August 7, 2008 IAC – Mexico

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  1. Presented August 7, 2008 IAC – Mexico Trends and Determinants of Gender Based Violence among Female Sex Workers in Kenya Jerry Okal

  2. Introduction • Sexual and gender based violence has been widely reported but the nature and consequences is unknown • Violence is exacerbated by gender imbalance, stigma and criminalization of sex work • To sustain gains in HIV STI prevention there is urgent need to confront violence against SW • This qualitative study exploring the contraceptive and other RH needs of Kenyan sex workers provides perspective on sex workers’ experiences with sexual and gender based violence.

  3. Methods • Research was conducted in Kenya in 2 sites, Mombasa and Naivasha • A total of 81 FSW participated in 8 focus group discussions. • Four FGDs were conducted per site with each focus group comprising of 8-12 participants, • Using trained peer counselors already working in the study sites, snowball sampling was employed to reach the first contacts.

  4. Results • Physical Assault: Money, condom use or for expressing concerns of being at risk of HIV or STI infection. • Sexual Assault: Rape, and sexual coercion leading to embarrassment, pain, bleeding and disruption of normal activities. • Stigma: Verbal, physical abuse by clients, intimate partners, police and the local community. • Although common perpetrators of violence were casual, intimate partners or strangers, most FSW expresses fear and reluctance to report their perpetrators to the police.

  5. Conclusion/Recommendations • This study exposes a grave menace of violence and exploitation among sex workers curtailing access to appropriatehealth orlegal redress • Some sex workers who attempt to report violence meted are blamed for starting it all • Sex workers consider violencea critical problem when compared to HIV/AIDS or other STIs • Sex worker interventions have traditionally focused on HIV/STI prevention while ignoring issues of physical assault, rape, other forms of gender based violence • Because sex workers represent an important driving force for HIV transmission in Kenya, they deserve the highest quality of HIV prevention, treatment and support

  6. Acknowledgement • Research Participants • Division of Reproductive Health, MoH • NASCOP, MoH • APHIA II project, Rift Valley, Coast • Research Division, FHI Nairobi

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