Violence in the context of prostitution: psychological impact

Abstract

Prostitution can be defined as the provision of sexual services to clients who request it, receiving money or goods in exchange. In this activity, the occurrence of sexual, physical and/or verbal violence tends to be frequent, contributing to the greater severity of the negative psychological impact associated with prostitution. Sex workers carry out their activity in different contexts, and the risks, vulnerabilities and even type of victimization differ considerably depending on the context. Associated with this exposure to violence, the literature points to the development, predominantly, of anxiety and depressive disorders, as well as substance use. Although there are different perspectives on the relationship between substance use and prostitution, there is consensus on its frequency, as well as its contribution to maintaining this activity, thus potentiating violence and psychopathological symptoms.