Exposure to Job-related Violence Among Young Female Sex Workers in Urban Slums of Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Background: In Nigeria, many young girls are engaged in commercial sex work as a means of livelihood and support of dependent relatives. Although studies have documented some of the violence related issues among commercial sex workers, the plight of adolescent and young sex workers particularly in urban slums may be different in context and depth. Objective: This study explored the experiences of violence among young female sex workers and their coping strategies in urban slums in Ibadan and Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.Design: The study applied an interpretive phenomenological approach through in-depth interviews. Settings: Young female sex workers ages (15-24 years) who reported having experienced violence were recruited. Data were transcribed using a phenomenological framework analysis. Participants’ reports based on life experiences were identified: lived experience “daily brothel life experience”; sources of violence such as law enforcement agents’ intermittent raids; violence experience with clients who often demanded sexual acts beyond the agreed scope; and coping strategies employed to mitigate the challenges.Participants: 12 participants completed the interviews out the 20 initially contacted. Results: The results showed that the major motivation for engaging in commercial sex work was for economic reasons in order to sustain their livelihood. The risks involved, exposure to violence and other social vices were enormous.Conclusion: In conclusion, the study raised the need for targeted interventions to mitigate violence against young sex workers. Working with law enforcement officials and health care providers may be the most promising next steps. It should also be made a human rights and public health priority.