A qualitative examination of women involved in prostitution in Mumbai, India: The role of family and acquaintances

Author: Karandikar, Sharvari; Gezinski, Lindsay & Meshelemiah, Jacquelyn

Abstract: In this qualitative study, 48 female prostitutes from Mumbai, India were interviewed to understand their experiences related to their entry into prostitution. Respondents’ vulnerabilities and the role of family and acquaintances in entry were researched. The findings of the study indicate that poverty, marital abuse, sexual abuse and the death of a parent or husband were the main reasons for entry into prostitution. The majority of the respondents were sold into prostitution by family members or acquaintances. This research provides recommendations for policy, practice and research in the area of sex trafficking.

Keywords: India, Mumbai, prostitution, sex work, trafficking