Understanding the relationship between sex workers and their intimate partners: Findings from participatory research in North Karnataka, India
Abstract
While HIV prevention approaches in Karnataka have been successful in increasing condom use within the commercial sex partnerships of female sex workers (FSWs), inconsistent condom use with intimate partners remains a major concern. Female sex workers’ ability to negotiate condom use with intimate partners is affected by inequitable power relationships between the women and their male partners, violence in their intimate relationships, and social norms and expectations around fidelity. This study, conducted in Bagalkot District in North Karnataka in 2012, attempts to understand the nature and dynamics of sex workers’ relationship with their intimate partners. A series of participatory workshops were held to explore how both sex workers and their intimate partners understand and interpret their relationships, their reasons for not using condoms in these relationships and the role of violence and its consequences.
Citation
Bhattacharjee, P.; Jatkar, U.; Nair, S.; Doddamane, M. Understanding the relationship between sex workers and their intimate partners: Findings from participatory research in North Karnataka, India. Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, Rajajinagar, Bangalore, India (2013) 42 pp.
Links