Campbell R, Ahrens CE, Sefl T, Clark ML
Violence Vict 2003 Jun; 18(3):299-317.
Previous research has established a link between childhood
sexual abuse and engaging in prostitution as an adult. The purpose of this
study was to extend this literature by exploring whether being raped as an
adult is associated with exchanging sex for money. Interviews with 102 rape
survivors in a major metropolitan area revealed that 23.5% had engaged in
prostitution post-rape. Those who had exchanged sex for money were more likely
to be women of color, to have a high school education or less, to be unemployed,
and to have children to support, than those who had not engaged in prostitution
post-assault. The prostitution subsample also had significantly higher levels
of psychological distress, physical health symptomatology, and substance
use. Survivors were asked whether and how the rape was associated with engaging
in prostitution: most (75%) stated that they felt it was related to the assault.
The most commonly cited reason for engaging in prostitution by these survivors
was that they were trying to regain some control over their lives and their
bodies; exchanging sex for money was seen as one way to control men's access
to them. Implications for future research on victimization and prostitution
are discussed.
From: Department of Psychology, Michigan State University,
East Lansing, MI 48824-1117, USA.
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