INSTANCES OF VULNERABILITY TO VIOLENCE EXPERIENCED BY FEMALE SEX WORKERS: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Objective: To describe individual situations of vulnerability to violence experienced by female sex workers. Method: A qualitative study in which the method used was the case study. The research setting consisted of two nightclubs located in two municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul. The unit of analysis was composed of eight sex workers working in the nightclubs. For the collection of evidence, we used semi-structured interviews, audio recordings in MP3 format, observation of the nightclub environment and notes in the field diary. For the analysis of the evidence the proposal of adaptation to the standard was used, in view of the initial propositions of the study. Results: From the analysis emerged two empirical categories: characterization of participants and nightclubs, and situations of individual vulnerability to violence experienced in the work context of female sex workers. The study showed that sex workers experience violence based on gender relations, permeated by an unequal and hierarchical relationship, exercised through abuse and force by clients. The burden of violence occurs in physical, verbal, sexual and psychological forms, with rape considered to be the worst form of violence. Conclusion: The health of sex workers cannot be reduced to biological aspects, especially in relation to sexually transmitted diseases, and it is necessary to consider the context in which they are inserted. Thus, the urgency of the formulation of public policies in the field of health is highlighted, directed specifically to this group of women