INFORMED CONSENT FORM
Invitation: You have been chosen to participate in a research investigation regarding Commercial Sex Work. You have been selected because you are currently working as a commercial sex worker or have worked as a commercial sex worker.
Description of the Study: The purpose of the study is to determine the root cause of why women choose commercial sex work as a vocation. This study looks at the motivating factors that cause women to choose prostitution as a vocation. There are two main theories as to why women become commercial sex workers: economic gain or a combination of poverty, physical/sexual abuse, and a lack of job skills. This study looks at both advocates for commercial sex workers and opponents of commercial sex workers, within the field, to determine the root causes of commercial sex work.
Costs and Payments to the Participant: There is no cost for participating in this study. Participation is completely voluntary and no payment will be provided.
Risks/Benefits to the Participant: The self –report survey contains sensitive questions that relate to commercial sex work. These questions are of a personal nature dealing with why, and how women become commercial sex workers as well as questions about sexual and physical abuse. Though many of the questions may not be relevant to the specific commercial sex worker understanding the true motivation in becoming a commercial sex worker will benefit the criminal justice field by renewing the statistics on commercial sex work and prostitution from the source, you the respondent.
Confidentiality: You will not be asked to identify yourself by name or in any other manner so that your anonymity will be assured. Any sensitive material will be secured in a locked filing cabinet. The results of the study will be reported in terms of the entire group, not in terms of individuals.
Participant's Right to Withdraw from the Study: You may choose not to participate or to stop participation in the research study at any time without any negative consequence to you. You will be notified of any new findings developed during the course of the research, which may relate to your willingness to continue participation.
Voluntary Consent by Participant: Participation in this research project is totally voluntary, and your consent is required before you can participate.
This study will be anonymous so please do not sign any forms. If you have any questions you can contact me via email and your questions will be answered immediately.
YOU ARE MAKING A DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO PARTICIPATE. BY COMPLETING THE FORMS AND SENDING BACK TO THE INVESTIGATOR YOU ARE AGREEING TO PARTICPATE IN THIS STUDY.
Linda Scavone
Graduate Student – Criminal Justice Department
Sacred Heart University
5151 Park Avenue, Fairfield CT 06825-1000
scavonel@sacredheart.edu