Exploring the lived experiences of gender-based violence survivors among female sex -workers in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a global challenge, with women and young girls being the major victims. Female sex workers are also adversely affected. However, there is limited evidence about the lived experiences and coping strategies of Female Sex Workers (FSW) in Rivers State, Nigeria. Hence, this study was guided by objectives that focused on determining: the effect of GBV on FSW in Rivers State and coping strategies adopted by Gender-based violence survivors to manage the challenges associated with it. Data were collected from 12 female sex workers using semi-structured interviews and were analyzed thematically using the NVivo12 software. Findings showed that enforcement agents, intimate partners, relatives, friends, clients, and recruiters were perpetrators of gender-based violence. The participants identified their lack of agency, poverty, lack of alternative means of livelihood, and desire to protect their parents as drivers of gender-based violence. The participants admitted having experienced physical and mental health challenges. The participants adopted several coping mechanisms: substance abuse, religion, self-defence, and relocation. The researchers concluded that increased awareness about available services, unbiased service provision, designated human rights officers, and prosecution of perpetrators would encourage disclosure and boost access and uptake of services.