Transactional Sex and Victimization in Spain: Risk Factors, Experiences, and Public Perceptions

Session Submission Type: Pre-arranged Panel

Abstract

Transactional sex remains a complex and often contested phenomenon, intersecting with issues of victimization, agency, and public policy. This panel presents findings from a Spanish national research project titled “Victimization of Individuals Involved in Paid Sex: Risk Factors, Consequences, and Criminal Justice System Response” (Ref. PID2023-151355NB-I00), aimed at examining the experiences of individuals engaged in transactional sex in Spain, focusing on victimization patterns, risk and protective factors, and societal attitudes towards sex work.
Drawing on both quantitative and qualitative data, the studies discussed in this panel explore the prevalence and nature of victimization among individuals engaged in transactional sex, shedding light on experiences of violence, coercion, and exploitation. They also examine the social, legal, and economic factors that shape vulnerability and resilience in this context. Additionally, public perceptions of sex work in Spain are analyzed to understand dominant narratives and their implications for policy and intervention strategies. Together, these findings offer a comprehensive view of transactional sex, contributing to broader discussions on regulation, harm reduction, and the rights of the individuals engaging in these activities.

Subtopic

• Topic 4: Victimology / Consequences of Victimization (Victimology WG)

Chair

• Pablo Romero-Seseña, Universitat de Barcelona

Individual Presentations

• Navigating Violence and Stigma: Exploring Victimization and Its Consequences in Male Sex Work - Marc Balcells, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya; Pablo Romero-Seseña, Universitat de Barcelona; Patricia Hernández-Hidalgo, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya

• Detecting indicators of victimization and sexual exploitation in online sexual services ads: a mixed-methods study - Josep Tamarit, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya; Marc Balcells, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya; Pablo Romero-Seseña, Universitat de Barcelona

• Defining prostitution and sex work in the digital age: a computational social media approach to online discussions - Rocio Martínez Almanza, Professor of Political Science and Administration Department of Social and Human Sciences Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Researcher CRÍMINA Centre; Pablo Romero-Seseña, Universitat de Barcelona

• Results on female sex workers victimization experiences - Antonia Linde Garcia, Open University of Catalonia; Josep Tamarit, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya