Sexual Abuse of Brothel-Based Female Sex Workers in Abuja, Nigeria

An article by Dagunduro Tolu A, Fawole Olufunmilayo I, and Makinde Olusesan A. in Sexuality in Africa Magazine, Vol 5, Issue 3, 2008.

A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 305 female sex workers in brothels in Abuja, Nigeria to identify patterns of violence. The 5 main perpetrators were clients brothel owners, uniformed men and thugs. The main health consequences reported were, HIV infection other STIs unplanned pregnancy but surprisingly not injuries. The recommendations are that: There is a need to empower young girls and women to mitigate prostitution. There is a need for further research in other parts of the country to help develop intervention to mitigate sexual abuse. There is a need to educate men on women’s rights. Uniformed men who indulge in such acts should be penalised Care and referral services for abused sex workers.