TRAFFICKING OF WOMEN AND VULNERABILITY TO HIV INFECTION IN URBAN MEXICO

Trafficking of women for sexual exploitation is a prevalent problem that may adversely affect many aspects of women’s health. In this paper, we examine how sexual exploitation is exposing trafficked women to HIV infection and sexually transmitted diseases in urban Mexico. This study was conducted in Mexico City and Monterrey, where one hundred and ten trafficked women were interviewed during the year 2003-2006 and 2007-2011. Results indicate that trafficked women are physically and sexually abused and engage in high-risk sexual behavior leading to infection with different kinds of sexually transmitted diseases. This abuse, high-risk behavior coupled with high numbers of clients serviced daily, indicates these trafficked women are at a higher risk of HIV infection.