Risk Factors Associated with Sexual Assault among Asian Immigrant Women in Massage Parlors

Abstract

Over the past decade, Asian immigrant women have had an increasing presence in the massage parlor industry. Despite that, little is known about the risk to women in these settings. Previous research has addressed health and physical risk factors, yet there are no specific studies on risk factors for sexual assault among Asian immigrant females who engage in sexual services in massage parlors. Thus, this study aims to examine the prevalence and risk factors for sexual assault against Asian immigrant women in massage parlors. Using existing interview data to examine the relationship between these factors and sexual assault (Chin et al., Manuscript being prepared for publication), four demographic/social/occupational factors were analyzed: —1) Korean versus Chinese; 2) type of sexual service provided in massage parlors; 3) amount of time women living in the United States; 4) coercion from owner/management. The result showed that coercion experience from the massage parlor owner or management and length of residence in the United States were predictive of sexual assault. The result highlights the need for awareness of sexual assault risk factors in Asian immigrant women in massage parlors