1
|
Williams CC, Gibson MF, Mooney E, Forbes JR, Curling D, green DC, Ross LE. A Structural Analysis of Gender-Based Violence and Depression in the Lives of Sexual Minority Women and Trans People. AFFILIA 2023; 38:350-366. [PMID: 37538836 PMCID: PMC10394395 DOI: 10.1177/08861099231155887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
This article explores structural mechanisms that are the context for violence and depression in the lives of sexual minority women and trans people in Ontario, Canada. The article draws on interviews with 14 people who reported experiences of depression in the previous year, foregrounding three representative narratives. Narrative and case study analysis reveal that violence is a repeated and cumulative experience over lifetimes, occurring across different interpersonal contexts and institutional encounters. A common theme across the narratives is that experiences of violence are connected to a broader context in which structural arrangements, cultural norms, and institutional processes create conditions where marginalized people are put in harm's way, perpetrators are empowered, and justice and access to help are elusive. As the violence experienced by these sexual minority women and trans people is rooted in structural and cultural oppression represented in poverty, racism, misogyny, homophobia, and transphobia, the prevention of violence and its consequences for these and other marginalized populations requires systemic transformation of the structures and systems that currently allow and perpetuate harm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charmaine C. Williams
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Margaret F. Gibson
- School of Social Work, Renison University College, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emily Mooney
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joellean R. Forbes
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Lori E. Ross
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tutty LM, Ogden C, Nixon KL. "Your Skin Crawled Every Time He Touched You": A Secondary Qualitative Analysis Exploring Bagwell-Gray's Taxonomy of Intimate Partner Sexual Violence. Violence Against Women 2023:10778012231174352. [PMID: 37203143 DOI: 10.1177/10778012231174352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Bagwell-Gray et al. developed a taxonomy of intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) focusing on type of force (physical or nonphysical) and type of sexual activity (penetration or no penetration). The current secondary descriptive qualitative analysis of interviews with 89 Canadian women IPV victims assessed IPSV that fit Bagwell-Gray's taxonomy. About half (46 or 51.7%) described sexual violence, most commonly sexual abuse (26 or 29.2%), sexual assaults (17 or 19%), and sexual coercion (16 or 17.9%), with overlap across categories. Forced sexual activity was seldom mentioned (3 or 3.4%). Implications for service providers and researchers are provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leslie M Tutty
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Kendra L Nixon
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zemlak JL, Alexander KA, Wilson D, Sherman SG. Contraceptive decision-making through the lens of social determinants of health among female sex workers: A qualitative descriptive study. J Adv Nurs 2023; 79:1898-1911. [PMID: 36946262 PMCID: PMC10308891 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of the study was to examine how female sex worker's motivations, desires, intentions and behaviours towards childbearing and childbearing avoidance inform their contraceptive decision-making. We explored the influence of social determinants of health in the domains of social context (sexual partners and experiences of violence), healthcare access, economic instability on the contraceptive decision-making process. DESIGN We conducted a qualitative descriptive study informed by Miller's Theory of Childbearing Motivations, Desires and Intentions through the lens of social determinants of health. METHODS Participants were recruited from a parent study, EMERALD, in July-September, 2020. Data were collected from 22 female sex workers ages 18-49 using semi-structured 45 to 60-min audio-recorded interviews and transcribed verbatim. Theory guided the development of the study's interview guide and thematic analytic strategy. RESULTS Five themes emerged related to contraceptive decision-making: Motivations (value of fatherhood), Desires (relationships with love), Intentions and Behaviours (drugs overpower everything, contraceptive strategies and having children means being a protector). Women's contraceptive decision-making often included intentions to use contraception. However, social determinants such relationships with clients and intimate partners, interpersonal violence and challenges accessing traditional health care offering contraceptive services often interfered with these intentions and influenced contraceptive behaviours. CONCLUSION Women's contraceptive decision-making process included well-informed desires related to childbearing and contraceptive use. However, social determinants across domains of health interfered with autonomous contraceptive decision-making. More effort is needed to examine the influence of social determinants on the reproductive health of this population. IMPACT Findings from this study build on existing research that examines social determinants impacting reproductive health among female sex workers. Existing theoretical frameworks may not fully capture the influence constrained reproductive autonomy has on contraceptive decision-making. Future studies examining interpersonal and structural barriers to contraception are warranted. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION The parent study, EMERALD, collaborated with community service providers in the study intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Zemlak
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, 525 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
- Marquette University College of Nursing, 530 N. 16th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53233, USA
| | - Kamila A Alexander
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, 525 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Deborah Wilson
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, 525 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Susan G Sherman
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kyriakakis S, Henning J, Goddard-Durant S. The Intimate Relationship Experiences of Women Engaged in Transactional Sex Work in Barbados. Violence Against Women 2023; 29:580-601. [PMID: 34894902 DOI: 10.1177/10778012211058227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
This phenomenological study, consisting of individual interviews with a sample of 30 women engaged in sex work, examines the intimate relationships of women engaged in sex work in Barbados. Participants often entered relationships with men they met while engaged in sex work. Most experienced relationships that became transactional, abusive, and exploitative. Intimate partner violence (IPV) challenged their ability to negotiate condom use with intimate partners placing them at risk for HIV. A cycle emerged of entering relationships to exit the violent conditions of sex work and then re-entering sex work to escape IPV. Implications for mental health, HIV prevention, IPV, and empowerment services are described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jenna Henning
- Social Work, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Intersectional Differences in Serious Violent Victimization Trajectories across the Life Course. Prev Med Rep 2022; 26:101732. [PMID: 35242501 PMCID: PMC8874332 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.101732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
|
6
|
Rovira M, Lega L, Suso-Ribera C, Orue I. The role of women's traditional gender beliefs in depression, intimate partner violence and stress: insights from a Spanish abbreviated multicultural measure. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:17. [PMID: 35065642 PMCID: PMC8783451 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-021-01572-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on traditional gender beliefs has highlighted their psychological impact and social implications for women. The purpose of this study was twofold. First, we aimed to adapt and validate the Spanish version of the Multicultural O'Kelly Women's Beliefs Scale. Next, we explored its sources of validity evidence in relation to intimate partner violence, stress, and depression. Based on the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy framework, traditional gender beliefs were expected to be associated with higher levels of intimate partner violence, stress and depression. We also expected to obtain a psychometrically-sound factor structure of the Multicultural O'Kelly Women's Beliefs Scale. METHODS A sample of Spanish women (N = 322) completed the Multicultural O'Kelly Women's Beliefs Scale, the Beck's Depression Inventory II, the Modified Conflict Tactics Scale, and the Stress Perceived Scale. To test the psychometric properties of the Multicultural O'Kelly Women's Beliefs Scale we implemented exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and an analysis of the area under the curve. RESULTS Regarding the psychometric properties of the scale, statistical analysis revealed a one-factor dimensionality (Global traditionalism) and supported a reduction of items in the original instrument. The abbreviated version (eight items) obtained the best fit indices. Considering the association between traditional gender beliefs and psychological outcomes, we found that traditional gender beliefs were associated with increased severity of stress, depressive symptoms and reciprocal verbal aggression. CONCLUSION The Spanish adaptation of the Multicultural O'Kelly Women's Beliefs Scale provided a very short, psychometrically robust and clinically relevant measure of traditional gender beliefs. In addition to the association between traditional gender beliefs and mental health outcomes, an important finding was the relationship between traditional gender beliefs and intimate partner violence. Our scale might be used in clinical settings by helping women to identify their traditional gender beliefs and replace them by healthy and goal-oriented beliefs, which would also contribute in achieving a more egalitarian society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Leonor Lega
- Saint Peter’s University, Jersey City, NJ USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zemlak JL, White RH, Nestadt DF, Alexander KA, Park JN, Sherman SG. Interpersonal Violence and Contraceptive Method Use by Women Sex Workers. Womens Health Issues 2021; 31:516-522. [PMID: 34493434 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE More than one-half of women sex workers (sex workers) in the United States experience interpersonal violence, defined as physical or sexual violence, by sexual partners, including clients or intimate partners. Women experiencing interpersonal violence by intimate partners often choose hidden, woman-controlled contraception (e.g., intrauterine devices, pills, or sterilization) because fear of violence can impede condom negotiation. Yet, little is known about how interpersonal violence relates to contraception among sex workers who may have different sexual partner perpetrators (clients and intimate partners). The purpose of this study was to examine associations between interpersonal violence perpetrated by clients or intimate partners and contraceptive use. STUDY DESIGN Data are from an observational, prospective cohort of sex workers, aged 18 to 49 in Baltimore, Maryland (N = 218). Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to assess associations between lifetime interpersonal violence and past 3-month contraceptive use. The outcome was any woman-controlled contraceptive use versus partner-controlled or no contraception. RESULTS Nearly all sex workers (96.5%) reported contraceptive use, with most using male condoms (69%), nearly one-half using woman-controlled methods (43%), and 25% using dual methods (e.g., condoms and a woman-controlled method). Lifetime experiences of interpersonal violence by clients (58%) and intimate partners (52%) were prevalent. Sex workers who experienced interpersonal violence by intimate partners had over twice the odds of woman-controlled contraceptive use (adjusted odds ratio, 2.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-4.54). CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight the importance of relationship context in the associations between interpersonal violence and use of woman-controlled contraceptive methods among sex workers, because only violence experiences by intimate partners were associated with increased odds of woman-controlled contraceptive method use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca Hamilton White
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Danielle Friedman Nestadt
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Ju Nyeong Park
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Susan G Sherman
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zemlak JL, Bryant AP, Jeffers NK. Systematic Review of Contraceptive Use Among Sex Workers in North America. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2020; 49:537-548. [PMID: 32931732 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogn.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review the literature regarding contraceptive use by sex workers in North America and to understand factors that limit reproductive agency and affect contraceptive use and decision making. DATA SOURCES We searched PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase databases using the search terms "sex work(ers)," "transactional sex," "exchange sex," "prostitution," "contraception," "contraceptive agents," "birth control," "female," and "women." STUDY SELECTION Articles were eligible for inclusion in this review if they (a) reported quantitative or qualitative studies based in North America, (b) were written in English, (c) included sex workers (self-identified sex workers or engaged in sex work behavior) as the primary or secondary population of the study, (d) included a population assigned female sex at birth, (e) reported contraceptive outcomes for sex workers, and (f) were published in peer-reviewed journals. The initial search yielded 2,455 articles, and seven met the inclusion criteria. DATA EXTRACTION Two authors independently reviewed the articles and organized data in a table to capture study design, sample size and study population, study aims, and contraceptive use. We applied Connell's theory of gender and power as an analytic framework to further identify factors that limited reproductive agency. DATA SYNTHESIS Condoms were the most common method of contraceptive used across studies. The use of contraceptives varied by partner type (client vs. nonpaying intimate partners). Access to highly effective contraception was limited by perceived stigma, financial constraints, and substance use. Reproductive and harm reduction services that were co-located where women worked improved contraceptive use. Contraceptive use was affected by factors that limited reproductive agency, including stigma, substance use, intimate partner violence, and condom coercion. CONCLUSION The reliance of sex workers on partner-dependent contraception, such as condoms, combined with factors that limit reproductive agency over contraceptive use and decision making contribute to high potential for contraceptive failure and unintended pregnancy. More research is needed to understand the influence of different sexual partner types, pregnancy intention, and contraceptive decision making on the reproductive agency of sex workers.
Collapse
|
9
|
Bahri J. Boyfriends, lovers, and “peeler pounders”: experiences of interpersonal violence and stigma in exotic dancers’ romantic relationships. SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2019.1617415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacenta Bahri
- Department of Anthropology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kalateh Sadati A, Zarei N, Argasi H, Heydari ST. Experience of violence among street prostitutes: a qualitative study in Shiraz, Iran. J Inj Violence Res 2019; 11:21-28. [PMID: 30635997 PMCID: PMC6420918 DOI: 10.5249/jivr.v11i1.865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Female Sex workers (FSWs) are a marginalized group. Although some studies have shown various types of violence against sex workers, it is a subject which needs more in-depth knowledge. Methods: This is a conventional content study conducted on 18 street sex workers in Shiraz, Iran. Results: The present study observed that sex workers had extensive experience in five forms of violence: physical, barbaric, psychological, sexual, deception and robbery. Moreover, violence was deep-rooted in their previous experiences prior to becoming a prostitute, leading to the formation of yet another type of violence, called hidden slavery with male or female pimps. Conclusions: To improve the general health of this group, it is recommended that they be supported by social institutions and be provided with psychological consultations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nooshin Zarei
- Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cimino AN, Madden EE, Hohn K, Cronley CM, Davis JB, Magruder K, Kennedy MA. Childhood Maltreatment and Child Protective Services Involvement Among the Commercially Sexually Exploited: A Comparison of Women Who Enter as Juveniles or as Adults. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2017; 26:352-371. [PMID: 28471337 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2017.1282575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A risk for commercial sexual exploitation is childhood maltreatment. It's unknown whether juveniles in commercial sexual exploitation experience more childhood maltreatment than adults or how involved child protective services is in investigating maltreatment, a focus of this study. Women (N = 96) who sold sex commercially completed a cross-sectional questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, t tests, chi-squares, and odds ratios were used to examine differences in background, childhood maltreatment, and child protective services involvement by juvenile or adult entry. Although 93% of participants experienced child maltreatment, juveniles had increased odds of parent/caregiver sexual abuse, being left alone, being kicked out, and running away from a parent/caregiver. There were no differences in cumulative childhood maltreatment resulting in an investigation or removal, indicating that juveniles not investigated or removed by child protective services had as much childhood maltreatment as juveniles who were investigated or removed by child protective services. Results highlight the need for child welfare staff to recognize childhood maltreatment as risks for commercial sexual exploitation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea N Cimino
- a School of Nursing , Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Elissa E Madden
- b Diana R. Garland School of Social Work , Baylor University , Baylor , Texas , USA
| | - Kris Hohn
- c School of Social Work , University of Texas , Arlington , Texas , USA
| | | | - Jaya B Davis
- c School of Social Work , University of Texas , Arlington , Texas , USA
| | - Karen Magruder
- c School of Social Work , University of Texas , Arlington , Texas , USA
| | - M Alexis Kennedy
- d Department of Criminal Justice , University of Nevada , Las Vegas , Nevada , USA
| |
Collapse
|