All over the world, sex workers experience high rates of violence. Even where there are high rates of violence against women, sex workers experience a higher burden
The majority of sex workers have experienced violence in their lives, and the majority have experienced more than one violation. Indeed, many research studies have concluded that violence pervades the lives of sex workers.
In 2018, the African Sex Workers Alliance (ASWA) through the Key Populations Representation Evidence and Advocacy for Change in Health Programme (KP REACH), published a study on violence against sex workers in Africa.
Among the issues sited by sex workers are criminalisation and stigma, which are greatly affect access to health services and other social amenities.
The Key Populations Representation Evidence and Advocacy for Change in Health Programme (KP REACH) was an innovative Southern African regional initiative made possible by a Global Fund (GF) grant to Hivos, with sub-grants to four networks representing key populations and marginalised people in eight countries of sub-Saharan Africa – namely, the African Sex Workers Association (ASWA), African Men for Sexual Health and Rights (AMSHeR), the Coalition of African Lesbians (CAL) and the Southern Africa Trans Forum (SATF) – as well as three technical support partners – M&C Saatchi, Positive Vibes and SAfAIDS.
Read the study here: 
Read the study brief here: 
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