Gender -based violence among female sex workers of Kamathipura, Mumbai, India: A contextual analysis

The present research is a qualitative study on gender-based violence among female sex workers of Kamathipura, the well-known red-light area in Mumbai, India. Prior literature indicates that men's violence against women is a common occurrence in the sex. The literature points out that physical and sexual violence against sex workers is perpetrated by pimps, partners, clients and the police. Even though there are reports of forced sex (rape), physical assault and murder among sex workers, such incidences are rarely reported to the police. In countries like India where sex work is illegal and sex workers are stigmatized and labeled as "immoral," sex workers are afraid to report crimes to the police because they fear being arrested for soliciting sex. The political, social, economic as well as the legal systems of several countries of the world disregard sex work as a legitimate profession and do not guarantee basic civil rights to sex workers.;The data collection method of the present study included in-depth interviews with 15 female sex workers and 25 individuals identified as key stakeholders contributing to the social, economic, political and legal context of sex work. These stakeholders were identified as clients of sex workers, pimps or agents, intimate partners of sex workers, brothel-keepers and social workers.;The data analyzed for this research project were initially prepared in the form of three distinct scholarly manuscripts, each with specific research questions and recommendations for practice, policy and research. The three manuscripts now comprise chapters 4, 5, and 6 of the present study which adds to the knowledge base on gender-based violence among sex workers of Kamathipura, Mumbai, India.;For the present dissertation, I have critically analyzed the broad economic and social foundations of sex work followed by the contemporary debate on criminalization, legalization and decriminalization of sex work. I have also reviewed feminist theories and current literature on sex work and explained my personal position and theoretical affiliation on the issue.