Survival sex

Survival sex is a term used to describe when an individual engages in sexual activities in exchange for basic necessities such as food, shelter, or safety. This practice is often associated with poverty, homelessness, and marginalization. It is a form of sex work, but it is distinct in that it is typically driven by desperation and the need for survival rather than a choice to sell sexual services as a form of employment.

Overview

Survival sex is often a result of extreme poverty and lack of resources. Individuals who engage in survival sex are often unable to meet their basic needs through other means, such as employment or social services. This can be due to a variety of factors, including economic inequality, discrimination, mental illness, and addiction.

Prevalence

While it is difficult to determine the exact prevalence of survival sex due to its clandestine nature, it is known to occur worldwide. It is particularly common among marginalized populations, such as homeless youth, sex trafficking victims, and refugees.

Health and Safety Risks

Engaging in survival sex can pose significant health and safety risks. These include exposure to sexually transmitted infections, physical violence, and mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

Legal Issues

In many jurisdictions, survival sex is criminalized as a form of prostitution. This can lead to further marginalization and vulnerability for those who engage in it, as they may face legal penalties, stigma, and discrimination.

Interventions

Various interventions have been proposed to address the issue of survival sex. These include social policies aimed at reducing poverty and inequality, as well as programs that provide support and resources to those at risk of engaging in survival sex.

See Also

• Sex work
• Prostitution
• Homelessness
• Poverty
• Sex trafficking

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