Experiences of Racism and Racial Tensions Among African American Women Impacted by Commercial Sexual Exploitation in Practice: A Qualitative Study

• Published in: Violence against women Vol. 26; no. 5; pp. 438 - 457
• Main Author: Gerassi, Lara B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-04-2020; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: African Americans; Black people; Exploitation; Human trafficking; Oppression; Qualitative research; Race relations; Racism; Sex industry; Social privilege; Women; racial tensions; sex trafficking; micro practice; racism; commercial sexual exploitation
• ISSN: 1077-8012; 1552-8448
• DOI: 10.1177/1077801219835057

Barriers faced by Black women when navigating commercial sexual exploitation (CSE)-related services remain understudied. This qualitative study explores (a) Black women’s experiences of racism when accessing services in CSE-related organizations and (b) the existence and manifestation of racial tensions in practice. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 adult women who traded sex as adults and 20 CSE-related service providers. Findings suggest that Black women perceive preferential treatment given to White women. Racial tensions between women accessing programs were identified, as well as a promising practice of intergroup dialogue groups addressing racism, privilege, and oppression. Implications are discussed.