Relationship between intimate partner violence and stable partner characteristics among female sex workers in China

Background: Literature documents the high prevalence and severity of Intimate partner violence (IPV) against female sex workers (FSW). However, most literature came from western countries and data were scarce from developing countries. Existing studies on IPV against FSW have focused on the characteristics of FSW and the consequences of IPV; limited data are available regarding the characteristics of FSW's partners and their relationships with IPV. Methods: A sample of 1,022 FSWs was recruited through community outreach from nine different types of commercial sex establishments in two cities of Southwest China. The participants completed a self-administered cross-sectional survey containing scales on violence from intimate partners and correlates of partner relationship. Results: Among 743 FSW who had stable partners, 58% reported ever experiencing IPV. Experience of IPV was significantly associated with education of both FSWs (aOR=0.70, 95% CI=0.50, 0.99) and their stable partners (aOR=0.59, 95%CI=0.42, 0.83), and types of intimate partners (e.g. boyfriends, lovers, or spouse). After controlling for potential confounders, IPV was highly associated characteristics of partner, including partner alcohol abuse, (aOR=1.67, 95%CI=1.23, 2.28), having multiple partners (aOR=2.62, 95% CI=1.69, 4.08), and frictions between FSW and partner (aOR=4.30, 95% CI=2.96, 6.24). A dose-response relationship between IPV and partner relationship has been detected (β=0.20, 95% CI=0.03, 0.07). Conclusion: IPV against FSWs in China was prevalent; the characteristics of partners were strongly associated with IPV experienced by FSW. Culturally appropriate and effective interventions are urgently needed to address the IPV against FSW, especially programs that incorporate their partners.