In search of approval: Prostitution in light of sexual violence and slut-shaming

Abstract

Little is known about the reasons behind people’s entry into prostitution in Iceland. Research shows that women in prostitution are often victims of sexual violence but the connection between sexual violence and prostitution has not been widely researched. The aim of this study is to help fill that that gap. Fourteen interviews were conducted with women who had been in prostitution and a grounded theory approach was used to analyze the data. The findings show that participants have a history of sexual violence and encountered difficult circumstances growing up. Consequences of sexual violence and slut shaming left participants feeling a lack of control in sexual encounters and in search of validation. They entered prostitution in hope of gaining control in sexual situations and to have their self-worth validated.