This book provides a comprehensive exploration of commercial sex work, focusing on the global scenario with a special emphasis on India. It covers the legal status, prevalence, and health challenges faced by sex workers, utilizing primary and secondary research to highlight the stigmatization and criminalization of the profession. It discusses intervention and rehabilitation complexities, the involvement of diverse populations including women, men, and LGBTQIA+ individuals, and the social perceptions and violence experienced by sex workers. It offers practical suggestions for prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation, making it a valuable resource for researchers, mental health professionals, social workers, and anyone interested in the welfare of marginalized groups.

Highlights physical and mental health challenges faced by commercial sex workers in India Addresses the involvement of women, men, and LGBTQIA+ individuals in sex work Sheds light on the stigmatization and criminalization of sex work

Autorentext

Swathisha P, Ph.D., is working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, National Institute of Technology Meghalaya, India. She was formerly working as an Assistant Professor (on contract) in the Department of Applied Psychology, Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD), an Institution of National Importance (INI) under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. She completed her doctoral research in the Department of Applied Psychology at Pondicherry University. She has published research papers in globally indexed journals and book chapters in edited books published by Springer and Routledge. She also served as a Peer Reviewer for various journals (Springer). She also worked as a Research Consultant for the "Project Phoenix" carried out by Kerala University, funded by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of Kerala. Her areas of research interest include human sexuality, community psychology, social psychology, and political psychology (Email: swathishahana95@gmail.com). Sibnath Deb, Ph.D., D.Sc., is Dean, School of Physical, Chemical and Applied Sciences & Head of the Department of Applied Psychology at Pondicherry University (A Central University), India. He served the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (An Institute of National Importance), Government of India, as Director from January 8, 2020, to June 30, 2023. He is also Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of CI, Education & Social Justice, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia, and Member, Board of Directors, Institute for School-based Family Counselling, California, USA. From 2004 to 2008, he served the International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) as Council Member. His research interests include child and women safety, students’ mental health, youth development, adolescent reproductive health, family relationships, and child protection. In recognition of his academic and research contribution, Prof. Deb has received many national and international awards including ‘Visitor’s Award 2019’ from the Hon’ble President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind for his contribution in research (Email: sibnath23@gmail.com).

Inhalt

Introduction to Sex Work.- Sex Work in India.- Status of Physical Health.- Status of Mental Health and Health Awareness.- Challenges Faced by the Commercial Sex Workers.- Prevention, Intervention and Rehabilitation.