The Effects of Violence and Abuse on Female Prostitutes

The Effects of Violence and Abuse on Female Prostitutes

Introduction

Prostitution takes on many definitions as it relates to sex for hire. Operationally defined, prostitution is a behavior that involves the exchange of sexual services for economic compensation in the form of drugs, money, or needed resources, for example, housing or food (Murphy, 2010). Women who are prostituting come up against many forms of risk taking behavior that may lead them into paths of sexual abuse or violence and can ultimately end up matching the criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder �(PTSD). Carson (2012) reported that prostitutes, also known as sex workers, are at an increased risk for experiencing violence. Although not focusing primarily on psychological impacts of sex work, Sanders (2004) noted that the psychological impacts of selling sex are not only hazardous but may but one at risk for certain health consequences�.

Among more than 1,400 adult females, childhood sex...

Illegal Drug Addiction and Substance Abuse

English: Cases of PTSD and Severe Depression Among...

Some address the impact on mental health that may come from sex workers' exposure to violence. In fact, Reza-Paul (2012) noted that sex workers face violence in many forms ranging from verbal, psychological and emotional abuse to economic extortion, physical and sexual violence. This study along with the previously stated studies attempt to recognize how physically, mentally and emotionally damaging prostitution can be for women. �

The Connection of Sexual Abuse and Drug Abuse

Women who are forced into prostitution may have a tendency to become involved in drug use as a means of survival. However ��Cohen & Hien (2006) created a true-experimental research design consisting of assessing the effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy on PTSD �on women with substance abuse and those have experienced complex trauma. They were able to find a connection...