Adolescent experiences of violence victimizations among minors who exchange sex/experience minor sex trafficking

This work investigates the associations between experiences of domestic minor sex trafficking and adolescent interpersonal violence victimizations, including intimate partner violence (IPV) and community violence. Abuse and violence in childhood are commonly proposed as risk factors for domestic minor sex trafficking. However, less is known about how interpersonal violence victimizations in adolescence connect to domestic minor sex trafficking experiences. The poly-victimization framework provides a means to understand domestic minor sex trafficking as a type of violence amid a web of additional interconnected violence victimizations. Efforts to better understand the interpersonal violence experienced by survivors of domestic minor sex trafficking are valuable in contextualizing trafficking experiences for adolescents. Data from The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, a population-based sample of adolescents in the United States (n = 12,605) were used to examine experiences of domestic minor sex trafficking for minor respondents, as measured through questions about exchanging sex for money or drugs. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to estimate the associations between domestic minor sex trafficking and IPV or community violence, while controlling for demographic variables and adolescent risk behaviors. Minors who experience community violence had significantly greater odds of having exchanged sex (aOR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.32 -2.64). However, IPV was not significantly associated with minors’ experiences of sex exchange (aOR: 1.14; 95% CI: 0.85 -1.54). Alcohol or drug use (aOR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.32 -2.65) and having run away (aOR: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.53 -2.72) were also significantly associated with minor sex exchange. As experiences of domestic minor sex trafficking were significantly associated with community violence victimizations, prevention and intervention efforts targeting youth at high risk for or survivors of domestic minor sex trafficking should consider how community violence victimizations impact these adolescent populations, and programming/messaging should be adjusted to account for these additional violence victimizations

The Effect of Systemic Racism and Homophobia on Police Enforcement and Sexual and Emotional Violence among Sex Workers in East London:Findings from a Cohort Study

There is extensive qualitative evidence of violence and enforcement impacting sex workers who are ethnically or racially minoritized, and gender or sexual minority sex workers, but there is little quantitative evidence. Baseline and follow-up data were collected among 288 sex workers of diverse genders (cis/transgender women and men and non-binary people) in London (2018–2019). Interviewer-administered and self-completed questionnaires included reports of rape, emotional violence, and (un)lawful police encounters. We used generalized estimating equation models (Stata vs 16.1) to measure associations between (i) ethnic/racial identity (Black, Asian, mixed or multiple vs White) and recent (6 months) or past police enforcement and (ii) ethnic/racial and sexual identity (lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) vs. heterosexual) with recent rape and emotional violence (there was insufficient data to examine  the association with transgender/non-binary identities). Ethnically/racially minoritized sex workers (26.4%) reported more police encounters partly due to increased representation in street settings (51.4% vs 30.7% off-street, p = 0.002). After accounting for street setting, ethnically/racially minoritized sex workers had higher odds of recent arrest (adjusted odds ratio 2.8, 95% CI 1.3–5.8), past imprisonment (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1–5.0), police extortion (aOR 3.3, 95% CI 1.4–7.8), and rape (aOR 3.6, 95% CI 1.1–11.5). LGB-identifying sex workers (55.4%) were more vulnerable to rape (aOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1–5.2) and emotional violence. Sex workers identifying as ethnically/racially minoritized (aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.0–4.5), LGB (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0–4.0), or who use drugs (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.8) were more likely to have experienced emotional violence than white-identifying, heterosexual or those who did not use drugs. Experience of any recent police enforcement was associated with increased odds of rape (aOR 3.6, 95% CI 1.3–8.4) and emotional violence (aOR 4.9, 95% CI 1.8–13.0). Findings show how police enforcement disproportionately targets ethnically/racially minoritized sex workers and contributes to increased risk of rape and emotional violence, which is elevated among sexual and ethnically/racially minoritized workers

Violence among Cocaine and Simultaneous Cocaine and Alcohol Abusers: Results from a Cross-sectional Study of Treatment Clients

A population known for substantial violence is the substance abuse treatment population. This study assessed: (1) extent of violence, (2) personality and mental health correlates of violence, and (3) sex differences in correlates of violence. Data were obtained from the Patterns and Consequences of Cocaine and Alcohol Use for Substance Abuse Treatment Clients Study (N = 403). Logistic regression with backward elimination procedures and modified Poisson regression were used to assess the study objectives. Violence was reported by 44% of treatment clients. Furthermore, number of other drugs used per week (RR: 1.124, 95% CI: 1.063 - 1.189) and aggressive personality (RR: 1.043, 95% CI: 1.031 – 1.055) were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of violence. Finally, there was no evidence for sex-differences in correlates of violence. These findings suggest that screening for violence and addressing pertinent risk factors during treatment may be needed to reduce violence within this population

Associations among Sexual Violence, Risky Sexual Behaviors, and Substance Abuse: Risk and Protective Factors among Women from the National Survey of Family Growth

Introduction: Millions of women experience sexual violence which results in a plethora of adverse health consequences. Given the scope of the problem, more attention is needed to examine the complexities in which sexual violence occurs, and possible associations among sexual violence and related health behaviors. The present study analyzes whether a significant association between sexual violence and condom use and/or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) exists, and whether consuming alcohol and/or drugs increases women’s risk of having unprotected sex and/or an STD. Methods: Data from the National Survey of Family Growth 2006-2010 and 2011-2013 were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate chi-square tests. Bivariate chi-square assessed possible differences between women who experienced sexual violence, and demographic variables, condom use, STDs, binge drinking, marijuana use, and illicit drug use. Multivariate chi-square, controlling for binge drinking, marijuana use, and illicit drug use, assessed potential associations among sexual violence, outcomes, and covariates. Results: Bivariate results indicate demographic variables, condom use during last sex, condom use during vaginal intercourse, STDs, binge drinking, marijuana use, and illicit drug use were significantly associated with sexual violence. No association was found between oral sex and sexual violence, and anal sex and sexual violence. Multivariate analyses show potential associations between sexual violence and certain variables. Conclusions: This study suggests the experience of sexual violence matters in relation to certain health behaviors, and sexual violence victims may experience some protective factors. Limitations include inability to determine the sequence of events, not knowing the age a woman was victimized, and the inability to determine the consistency that women used condoms or the appropriateness of condom use

Sex work, drug use and sexual health risks: Occupational norms among brothel-based sex workers in a Nigerian city

This article examines drug use and sexual health risks among sex workers in Ikot Ekpene, an urban centre in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. Data for the study were obtained through in-depth personal interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) involving 86 brothel-based female sex workers.Findings showed that the use of drugs was part of the occupational culture of sex work. Drug use among sex workers is functional in attracting and keeping clients, coping with stigma and negative societal perception, enhancing role performance, maximizing gains from the sexual economy and dealing with threats of violence from clients, pimps and the police. It is argued that alcohol and drugs use among sex workers is shaped by the social organization of sex work, including normative expectations, social pressures, negative societal attitudes towards sex work and threats arisingfrom the socio-cultural context of their lives and work. Drugs occupy an ambiguous position in the lives of sex workers; while helping sex workers negotiate occupational threats and improve role performance, it also predisposes them to negative sexual health outcomes. Efforts to improvethe sexual health of sex workers should grapple with the cultural realities of drug use as a risky behaviour in sex work.Key Words: Sex work, drug use, brothels, sexual health risks, Nigeri

Understanding Forced Sex During Adolescence: An Exploratory Study of Risk and Protective Factors

The overall purpose of this study was to explore predictors of forced sex among a sample of middle school students. Youth Risk Behavior Surveys were distributed to middle school youth in southeast Florida. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-Square Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID), and logistic regression. In the final CHAID model, the segment most at risk was comprised of youth who had been harassed for being gay, lesbian, or bisexual and youth who had experienced dating violence. Past exposure with violence yielded the highest association with forced sex. Moreover, having multiple sexual partners, use of prescription drugs, and experiencing harassment for being gay, lesbian, or bisexual are predictors of forced sex. This study has implications for school-based prevention of forced sex through the identification of risk and protective factors that can be targeted with evidence-based interventions

HIV RISKS, INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV), AND DEPRESSION AMONG A SAMPLE OF WOMEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN AND WOMEN (WSMW)

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the associations between interpersonal partner violence (IPV), HIV risks, and depression among a sample of adolescent females who have sex with men and women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS). YRBSS data was obtained from representative samples of students in grades 9-12. The study sample was comprised of adolescent and young women who self-identified as having sex with men and women (WSMW)(N=526). The primary exposure was sexual behavior (having sexual intercourse with both male and female partners). The primary outcomes were intimate partner violence, HIV-related risks (i.e., being sexually active, early sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, sex while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, sex without a condom). Depression was examined as a moderator. Chi-square analysis was used to examine these categorical variables. Results: An association between IPV, HIV-related risks, and depression for adolescent and young WSMW was detected. The study revealed significant relationships between IPV and sexual activity, early sexual debut, being currently sexually active, using alcohol and/or drugs before sex, and no use of condoms during sex. Depression appeared to be associated with IPV and some HIV-related risk behavior, such as, sexual activity, sexual debut, and use of alcohol and/or drugs at last act of sexual intercourse. Conclusion: Considering the association between IPV, HIV-related risks, and depression, interventions that encourage sensitive and appropriate care to adolescent and young WSMW youth within schools, health service systems, and community agencies is essential

Transamerica

Transamerica (2005, USA) by Duncan Tucker Main Cast: Felicity Huffman, Kevin Zegers Company: Belladonna Productions Bree a transsexual meets her son and takes him on a trip to California, where she is going to have a male to female sex change operation. Scene: drugs male adolescent or children solitary social problem 0:29:06-0:29:41: drugs Toby takes drugs in Bree’s car. Bree orders him to stop, but Toby threatens her. As violence and urge is involved this behaviour will for sure be considered as addiction. Clip: 31

Transamerica

Transamerica (2005, USA) by Duncan Tucker Main Cast: Felicity Huffman, Kevin Zegers Company: Belladonna Productions Bree a transsexual meets her son and takes him on a trip to California, where she is going to have a male to female sex change operation. Scene: drugs male adolescent or children solitary social problem 0:29:06-0:29:41: drugs Toby takes drugs in Bree’s car. Bree orders him to stop, but Toby threatens her. As violence and urge is involved this behaviour will for sure be considered as addiction. Clip: 31

Exploring the impact of stigma and discrimination on the lived experiences of cis-gender women in Australia’s street-based sex trade

Across Australian states, territories, and municipalities, sex work and other variations of the sex industry are not governed by any unified legal or policy framework. In Victoria, street-based sex work is illegal, which negatively impacts sex workers by exacerbating stigma and discrimination, leading to social exclusion, violence and reluctance of service access. Current legislation which sees the criminalisation of cis-women street-based sex workers has forced cis-women street-based sex workers underground, thus exposing them to violence, harassment and many other forms of abuse. Sex workers experiencing stigma and discrimination have been subjected to violence, are reluctant to access services for fear of further stigma and discrimination, and are found to have, or be susceptible to, mental health issues. The aim of the study was to investigate the impacts of enacted stigma and discrimination and perceptions (internalised stigma) on cis-gender women cis-women street-based sex workers. Stigma is identified as negative attitudes by society towards sections of community who are considered ‘deviant’ or socially unacceptable. Such sections can include but are not limited to those abusing drugs, suffering mental illnesses, living with HIV/AIDS and/or individuals who are homosexual. Discrimination refers to prejudicial actions directed towards stigmatised sections of community, and this has the potential to result in social exclusion. The findings in this research support existing studies on the impacts of enacted stigma and discrimination yet contributes to underdeveloped data around the experiences of enacted and perceived stigma and discrimination against cis-women cis-women street-based sex workers in Australia