Peer-reviewed article

Violence against female sex workers in the state of Piauí, Brazil - a cross-sectional study.

Alves-Filho AR, Angelakopoulos N, Turkina A, Franco A · 3 Nov 2025

Summary

Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001

This study examined violence experienced by 218 female sex workers in Piauí, Brazil, finding that about half reported exposure to some form of violence. Physical violence was most common (76%), followed by psychological (43%) and sexual violence (12%). The risk of violence was higher among those with lower education, those with children, and pregnant women. The findings highlight the need for targeted public health and human rights policies to protect this vulnerable population.

Key points

Approximately 50% of female sex workers reported exposure to some form of violence
Physical violence was the most prevalent form (75.7%), followed by psychological (43.0%) and sexual violence (12.2%)
Higher educational attainment was protective against violence exposure (p = 0.026)
Having children and being pregnant significantly increased odds of violence exposure (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001 respectively)
Most participants were single (77.4%), Black (42.7%), and mothers (71.2%)

Limitations

This cross-sectional study identifies associations but cannot establish causality. The findings are specific to Piauí state and may not generalise to other regions or countries with different contexts.

Abstract

By quantitatively assessing the exposure of female sex workers to violence in Piauí, Brazil, this study aimed to identify associated risk factors and contribute evidence-based public health strategies and human rights policies, advancing health and gender equality. This was a quantitative, observational, analytical, cross-sectional study. A structured questionnaire was administered to 218 female sex workers, aged 19 to 57 years (mean age = 31.76 ± 8.33 years), who were actively working in the state of Piauí, Brazil. The questionnaire addressed demographic characteristics, work-related practices, and exposure to psychological, physical, and sexual violence. Odds ratios (ORs) for the association between variables and the exposure to violence were calculated. Most participants had incomplete higher education (54.2%), self-identified as Black (42.7%), were single (77.4%), heterosexual (89.8%), and mothers (71.2%). Approximately 50% of participants reported being exposed to some form of violence, with physical violence being the most prevalent (75.7%), followed by psychological (43.0%) and sexual violence (12.2%). The odds of exposure to violence were inversely associated with educational attainment (p = 0.026) and were significantly related to marital status (p = 0.031), having children (p < 0.001), and being pregnant (p = 0.001). These findings demonstrate the vulnerability of female sex workers to violence in the State of Piauí, Brazil, and the need for tailored public policies that could also benefit society as a whole, such as promotion to scholar education and sexual health awareness.