An Investigation of the Incidence of Client-Perpetrated Sexual Violence Against Male Sex Workers

Abstract

This article discusses exploratory research investigating the incidence and context of client-perpetrated sexual violence against male sex workers. Four different methods (Webbased surveys, tick-box questionnaires, telephone, and face-to-face interviews) were employed in this study of 50 male escorts. The qualitative data were analyzed using an adapted form of grounded theory. It was found that client-perpetrated sexual violence within male sex work appears to be uncommon. However, when sexual violence did occur the cause was a disagreement over barebacking. Escorts' explanations for the low level of sexual violence within this sector included (1) that gay men were non-confrontational, (2) their clients led clandestine lifestyles avoiding undue attention, and (3) comparatively, female sex workers were perceived to be more vulnerable resulting in the higher level of sexual violence within the female sex work industry.

HIV Prevention Interventions for Young Male Commercial Sex Workers

“…The perceived sexual orientation of male sex workers may be sufficient to result in a client engaging in homophobic violence. A study from England [20] established that when sexual violence occurred, the cause was a disagreement over "barebacking" (intentional unprotected anal intercourse). In Brazil, 34% of male hustlers reported that they had suffered physical abuse from their clients [3].…”

“…For example, escorts perceive they are less stigmatized and are more willing to reveal their identities than their street-based counterparts. The perception is that their work is more open to choice, prestigious and empowered [20]. Escorts usually suffer less physical abuse by their clients, make more money and their less acute economic need allows them to be more selective with their clients as well as to negotiate sexual interaction conditions with their client.…”

Human rights violations against sex workers: burden and effect on HIV

“…28,32,65 Based on the totality of these injustices, sex workers describe a profoundsense of futility and lack of protection of the criminal justice system. 68 …”

The Current Landscape of Prostitution and Sex Work in England and Wales

“…The literature on escorting in England and Wales (including studies on the UK as a whole) explores the experiences and backgrounds of both independent and agency escorts, of various genders (Cunningham et al 2018;Pitcher b, 2019;Sanders et al 2009Sanders et al , 2017. Some of the literature focuses on violence and risk/safety management strategies (Kinnell 2008), including specifically by male escorts who sell sex to men (Jamel 2011). There is sometimes differentiation between agency and independent escorts (Pitcher 2015a;Sanders et al 2016), but not always.…”