Sexual Violence and Consequences of Unintended Pregnancy among the Street Based Sex Workers in Nepal

Abstract

Unintended pregnancy, concerning particularly in street based female sex workers (SFSWs) who solicit in streets or public places for sex, is closely associated with sexual relation involuntarily and often unwillingly. It seriously challenges in physical, mental, social and economic wellbeing hazardously. The aim of the study is to explore the sexual violence, use of contraception and events and consequences of unintended pregnancy, the study of which is lacking up to the present time in Nepal. A cross-sectional study is conducted using mixed method consisting of questionnaire-based survey with 110 SFSWs along with case studies and observations. Respondents are identified by using snowball sampling technique. The findings are presented descriptively after arranging in different themes. Results show that almost all the SFSWs had experienced sexual violence at least once after involving in sex trade; 74 percent had threatening experience and 87 percent induced abortion among the unintended pregnancy from clients. The results indicate that the forced prostitution and threatening experience to follow clients' interest and unprotected sex are significantly hazardous for SFSWs' overall health. High prevalence of sexual violence and unintended pregnancy result in poor health outcomes for SFSWs. Assuring the sexual health and life safety of SFSWs from group sexual violence is another risk area for further exploration.