Non-Paying-Intimate-Partners (NPIP) program at Bagalkot :

Study[1] and enumeration[2] findings show that the relationships between FSWs and their main NPIPs are extremely complex. Data suggest that FSW-NPIP relationships evolve over time – starting off as commercial sex work relationships and evolving to the point where physical, emotional and protective roles are played by main NPIPs. FSWs are both financially and emotionally supported by their main NPIPs. And condom use is sub-optimal, and the prevalence of physical and sexual violence in these relationships is worrisome. Hence this called for a specialised focussed intervention on a pilot scale with FSWs who have Non Paying Intimate Partner (NPIP). This program began in July 2011 in Mudhol and Jamkhandi Taluks of Bagalkot District with a key goal of - Reducing risk and vulnerability of sex workers with NPIPs in Mudhol and Jamkhandi taluks of Bagalkot. Two major outcomes of risk and vulnerabilities were focused. One was to increase in condom use by FSW with NPIP and second to reduce physical violence from NPIP. Counselling and group session were the key approach used to bring about the desired change.

Chaitanya Mahila Sangha of Bagalkot was the key partner through whom this program was implemented. Key activities of recruitment of counselors (3 male and 3 female and one Program manager), their training in counselling, and enumeration of 2400 FSWs of Mudhol and Jamkhandi taluks were undertaken. Apart from that the progress of the following activities in the last four months is described below.

This program is now extended for one more year and will be modified based on the 9 months findings and experiences.