A Multi-Country Qualitative Study, provides a deep understanding of female, male and transgender sex workers’ experiences of violence, the contexts in which violence occurs, the factors that increase or decrease their vulnerability to violence, insights that are essential to prevent and respond to violence against sex workers in countries throughout the region.

This research initiative was the result of an exceptional partnership between regional and sex worker organizations, UNFPA and UNDP, governments and researchers, ensuring that the evidence and recommendations are used to bring about change.

The study was awarded the Robert Carr Research Award, at the International AIDS Conference - AIDS2014, honoring the initiative as “An exceptional, collaborative research project" that truly honors Robert’s vision of bringing researchers, activists and individuals directly affected by the HIV epidemic together to advance our knowledge of the impact of human rights-based policies and practices”.