Children of Female Sex workers: A Study of Situation and Vulnerability in Karnataka

The primary objective of this paper is to shed light on the plight of children of female sex workers in Karnataka, South India. These children are currently in a highly vulnerable situation, raising significant concerns for society. As a marginalised group, they face numerous challenges, including deprivation of their rights as children, a high risk of entering the sex industry in the future, and potential threats to social cohesion. This study was conducted in selected districts of Karnataka using a mixed-methods approach in collaboration with local NGOs. The findings indicate that children of female sex workers are at a ‘high risk’ of being subjected to various forms of maltreatment. They suffer from social exclusion, anxiety, depression, deprivation, unmet needs, dissatisfaction, unfulfilled aspirations, and a sense of abandonment. The study emphasises the urgent need to improve the availability and accessibility of essential and mandatory services for these children. It also highlights the importance of implementing geographically and culturally specific rehabilitation programs. In addition to HIV prevention efforts, the National Aids Control Organisation must also extend its focus to address the critical needs of these children.