Client-Perpetrated Violence Toward Female Sex Workers in Kathmandu

Author: Beaujolais, Brieanne; Kaloga, Marissa; Karandikar, Sharvari; Gezinski, Lindsay; Kadambari, Pradipta & Maskey, Kipa

Abstract: This qualitative study explores the experiences of client-perpetrated violence toward female sex workers in Kathmandu, Nepal. Individual interviews were conducted with 30 female sex workers. Data were analyzed using qualitative coding methods and thematic development. Two main themes emerged. Contexts in which client-perpetrated violence corresponded with (a) conditions associated with exchange of services, and (b) alcohol use. The first theme involved five factors: negotiating condom use, number of clients, requesting payment, length of service time, and negotiating sex acts. Alcohol use by clients and/or sex workers exacerbated violence. Implications for practice and research are discussed.

Keywords: female sex workers, Nepal, physical violence, sexual violence