Police Violence and Sexual Risk Among Sex Workers in Serbia
Author Information
Author(s): Tim Rhodes, Milena Simić, Sladjana Baroš, Lucy Platt, Bojan Žikić
Primary Institution: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Hypothesis
What are the perceptions of female and transvestite sex workers regarding risk in the sex work environment in Serbia?
Conclusion
Preventing violence towards sex workers, which can link with vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections, is a priority in Serbia.
Supporting Evidence
- Violence, including police violence, was reported as a primary concern in relation to risk.
- Participants reported coerced sex was routinely provided to the police in exchange for freedom from detainment.
- Accounts contained multiple instances of physical and sexual assault, presented as abuses of police authority.
- Police violence was perceived as a greater threat than client violence.
Takeaway
This study shows that sex workers in Serbia often face violence from police, which makes them more vulnerable to unsafe sex and health risks.
Methodology
Qualitative interview study with 31 female and transvestite sex workers in street-based locations in Belgrade and Pancevo.
Potential Biases
The study reflects the themes of participants' accounts and did not investigate police perspectives.
Limitations
The study is exploratory and findings may not be generalizable beyond the specific sample and setting.
Participant Demographics
The sample comprised 24 female sex workers and 7 transvestite sex workers, mostly street-based, with half identifying as Roma.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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