On the Occasion of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – 25th November 2024
Let’s Break the Silence and Raise Our Collective Voices for Rights
Amaravati/Vijayawada, 25 Nov 2024: On the occasion of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, 2024 HELP and VIMUKTHI have conducted a meeting in Rajarajeswari pet colony, Vijayawada against the all forms of violence against rescued survivors of human trafficking and victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE)/Sex Workers.
Smt. Apurva, President of VIMUKTHI stated that, taking in to the consideration of the theme of the day by United Nations “Every 10 Minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women” VIMUKTHI is conducting a 16 days campaign and community level meetings in united Prakasam, Guntur and Krishna Districts
Sex Workers: Marginalized and Vulnerable: Sex workers remain one of the most stigmatized and vulnerable groups in society, often subjected to physical, emotional, and economic abuse by clients, law enforcement, and communities. Despite legal protections under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, enforcement gaps and societal discrimination exacerbate their victimization, leaving them without justice or safety. Andhra Pradesh, with an estimated 1.33 lakh native sex workers, ranks among the states with the highest incidence of trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation. Reports indicate that many women are forced into sex work due to socio-economic vulnerabilities, with little support or acknowledgment from mainstream society.
HELP and VIMUKTHI’s 2024 study in Andhra Pradesh revealed alarming levels of violence against survivors of trafficking and sex workers in Prakasam, Guntur, and Krishna districts:
- 65% reported verbal abuse from clients, followed by 14% experiencing emotional abuse, 9% sexual violence, and 12% physical violence.
- Perpetrators included clients (28%), family members (24%), police (7%), and pimps (9%). Notably, 22% experienced violence from multiple sources.
- Many women (41.33%) involved in sex work were separated from their families or partners, while 21.33% were deserted. Additional vulnerabilities included widows (14.67%), married women (18.67%), and divorced or unmarried women (2% each).
Stigma and Mental Health: The social stigma surrounding sex work deepens their isolation and vulnerability. Findings reveal that 88% of survivors and sex workers face stigma, primarily from immediate family members (37%), relatives (16%), and neighbors (27%). Tragically, 63% receive no familial support when stigmatized.
The mental health challenges faced by sex workers are equally severe, with 33.3% experiencing stress, 26.3% anger, 24.7% mood disorders, and 7.3% anxiety. Additionally, survivors reported social phobia (4.8%), alcohol/drug dependency (1.3%), and trauma (1.3%). Many women endure these struggles in silence, further compounding their vulnerability.
Call to Action: HELP and VIMUKTHI call for urgent collective action to address violence against women, particularly sex workers, through the following measures:
- Governments: Decriminalize sex work and ensure equal legal protections, including access to justice and victim compensation mechanisms.
- Civil Society: Partner with sex workers to create safe spaces for dialogue, support, and advocacy.
- Comprehensive Support Services: Provide trauma-informed healthcare, legal aid, psychosocial counseling, and safe shelters.
- Legal Frameworks: Strengthen mechanisms to prosecute perpetrators effectively and protect survivors from re-victimization.
- Awareness and De-Stigmatization: Launch campaigns to combat stigma and educate society on the rights and dignity of sex workers.
- Inclusion and Policy-Making: Recognize the experiences of sex workers in shaping policies and addressing gender-based violence.
A Vision for Equality and Justice: On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, HELP and VIMUKTHI urge governments, communities, and civil society to reaffirm their commitment to creating a world where no woman, regardless of her profession, lives in fear. Every woman deserves dignity, safety, and equality. Together, we can build a society that respects the rights of all women, including sex workers, and ensures justice for survivors of violence and exploitation.