Sex work and institutional violence, rights violations and power abuse of women sex workers|El trabajo sexual y la violencia institucional: vulneración de derechos y abuso de poder

Abstract

Prior research has shown that the national legal and political context directly shapes how and under what conditions sex work will be performed (RedTraSex, 20131). Even though there are differences across the region, all the countries under study have legal norms and codes criminalizing actions related to sex work. This provides legitimacy for police repression, institutional violence and difficulties in accessing basic health and justice services, placing a fence around sex work (SW) condemning it to be an underground activity. In turn, this increases stigma and vulnerability for women sex workers (WSWs) that stand in the way of them fully exercising their rights.