Sex workers are some of the most marginalised workers in the world. In southern Africa, working within a context of stigma and criminalisation means that sex workers of all genders face high levels of violence, ranging from beatings, robbery and rape to being arrested for carrying condoms and being arbitrarily detained or fined. This violence often causes inconsistent condom usage and stops sex workers from accessing necessary legal support and health care, making them considerably more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.  

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The overall aim of this research project is to ascertain whether the interventions of Hands Off Phase II, run by Aidsfonds, have had a positive and sustainable impact on reducing violence and HIV infections amongst sex workers in: Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The study purpose is based on the following assumption - we can reduce the number of new HIV infections among sex workers by effectively addressing violence against sex workers. This results in increased condom-use and control over transactions and safer work environments.