CAUSES OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE AMONG FEMALE COMMERCIAL SEX WORKERS; IN MAJENGO WARD, MOMBASA COUNTY.

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to establish the causes of sexual violence among commercial sex workers in Majengo, Mombasa County. The study had three main objectives namely; to examine the underlying causes of sexual violence among female commercial sex workers, to identify the main perpetuators of sexual violence among female commercial sex workers and to identify the coping mechanisms adopted by commercial sex workers in dealing with sex violence. The research adopted a combination of both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The targeted population was active female commercial sex workers operating within Majengo ward, Mombasa County. Respondents were selected using snowball sampling technique. In total, 85 commercial sex workers, 10 club bouncers, 3 police officers and 5 health workers and 3 members of civic organizations were interviewed. In total 21 key informants were interviewed. Data was mainly collected using semi- structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Findings from the study revealed that, the main causes of sexual violence among female commercial sex workers were; alcohol and drug abuse, proximity to risky environments and low income. We also found out that the main perpetrators of sexual violence are; clients, police, bouncers and pimps who manage them. The study also revealed female commercial sex workers employed a number of coping strategies after being sexually violated that include; isolation whereby the commercial sex worker cuts close ties with her peers and hardly mingles with other members of the society, talking about their experiences with fellow workmates to relieve stress, increased drug abuse and at times forming social networks with their fellow workers, club managers and bouncers so as to warn , educate on danger signs and enhance safety for themselves and others. The study concluded that there is a gap in accessing health care by commercial sex workers in Majengo Ward, Mombasa County, this is due to social stigmatization of commercial sex work. The study recommended that, there be systems within county governments to avert unnecessary sexual violence. We also recommended that there be specialized medical care centers for victims of sexual violence.