A STUDY OF STIGMA, MENTAL HEALTH, AND HELP-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR AMONG FEMALE SEX WORKERS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CHENNAI
AUTHOR – JAYASHREE.G, BA.LLB(HONS) STUDENT AT SAVEETHA SCHOOL OF LAW, SAVEETHA INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL AND TECHNICAL SCIENCES(SIMATS,), SAVEETHA UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI-77. MAIL ID:jayashreegovindan2004@gmail.com
BEST CITATION – JAYASHREE.G, A STUDY OF STIGMA, MENTAL HEALTH, AND HELP-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR AMONG FEMALE SEX WORKERS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CHENNAI, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (8) OF 2025, PG. 440-465, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
ABSTRACT
Female sex workers (FSWs) constitute one of society’s most marginalized populations, facing intersecting stigmas related to their occupation, gender, and often, mental health status. This multi-layered stigmatization creates significant barriers to accessing appropriate mental health care despite elevated rates of psychological distress in this population. Previous research has documented high prevalence of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal ideation among FSWs, yet limited attention has been paid to the specific mechanisms through which stigma influences help-seeking behaviors in this context.This study aimed to examine the relationship between different forms of stigma (societal, structural, and internalized) and mental health outcomes among female sex workers, while identifying the primary barriers and facilitators to mental health service utilization within this population.The study sought to develop recommendations for stigma-reduction interventions and mental health service improvements tailored to FSWs’ needs.the sample size is 200.The research employs quantitative apporoch Our mixed-methods investigation revealed that 78% of participants reported clinically significant symptoms of at least one mental health condition, yet only 23% had accessed formal mental health services in the previous year. Structural stigma, particularly within healthcare settings, emerged as the strongest predictor of reduced help-seeking behavior. Participants identified fear of judgment, concerns about confidentiality, and previous discriminatory experiences as primary barriers to care. Peer-led programs and integrated service models that combined mental health support with other needed services demonstrated the greatest acceptability and utilization. This study highlights the urgent need for trauma-informed, non-stigmatizing mental health services for female sex workers. Effective interventions must address both individual psychological needs and the broader structural determinants of stigma through policy reform and provider education. Creating safe, accessible spaces for mental healthcare represents a critical step toward improving health outcomes in this vulnerable yet resilient population.
KEYWORDS: psychological needs,discrimination,help seeking, fear of judgment, trauma