The Policing of Sex Work in South Africa

A Research Report on the Human Rights Challenges across two South African provinces

Within a context where gender-based violence (GBV) is endemic, sex workers in South Africa experience particular vulnerabilities to systematic violence, abuse, extortion, rape, and even torture. The criminalisation of sex work in South Africa enables an environment where sex workers are subject to numerous human rights violations, including discrimination, harassment, and abuse at the hands of Police Officers. Police corruption and violence is recognised as a problem in many areas of South Africa, but sex workers are particularly vulnerable to the violation of their legal, labour, and human rights by police, with little access to redress.

Year: 2017
Resource Type:
Report
Themes:
Petty Offences
Policing
Region:
Africa
Country(ies):
South Africa
People Groups:
Sex Workers
Approach:
Research
Campaign Partner:
Sonke Gender Justice