Study On Well -Being And Social Inclusion Among Rescued Female Sex Workers: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: This report presents a systematic review of social inclusion and well-being of rescued female sex workers. The systematic review highlights the key factors which are playing vital roles in the mainstream inclusion of society as well as the factors enhancing the well-being of the workers.

Methods: The inclusion criteria for this review encompassed studies focusing on rescued female sex workers who voluntarily exited or were involved in intervention programs. Included studies had samples comprised entirely of females trafficked into commercial sexual exploitation in India who were assessed after rescue/rehabilitation intake. All age groups were eligible. The data bases which were searched for the current study included PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.

Results: A total of X studies, involving Y participants, were included in this systematic review. The studies through fully looked at lived experiences of social inclusion vs exclusion from the perspective of survivors. The studies also highlighted many facilitators that are important for the social inclusion of survivors. The synthesis of results revealed significant variations in well-being of rescued female sex workers.

Discussion: This systematic review sought to explore the state of knowledge on wellbeing and social inclusion among women rescued from sex trafficking in India. The combined 21 studies provide sobering perspective into survivors’ post-trafficking lived realities at the intersection of complex trauma, discrimination and failures of rehabilitation systems