New Data Available on the Experiences of Asian Immigrant Women Working in Massage Parlors
This study aimed to provide a better understanding of venue-based sex work among Asian immigrant women in New York City and Los Angeles County, focusing on the factors associated with heterosexual HIV risk during sex work encounters. Findings from this research can guide the development of strategies for efficiently and effectively targeting HIV risk-reduction interventions to high-risk sex-work venue clusters.
Key research questions include:
- What are the pathways for Chinese and Korean immigrant women into the illicit massage parlor sector in New York City and Los Angeles County?
- In what ways is work in this sector exploitative and stigmatizing, or not?
- What is the role of law enforcement and criminalization in shaping the conditions of labor?
- What are the prospects for economic advancement for women who work in illicit massage parlors?
This restricted access dataset includes responses from 116 Chinese and Korean women about their demographic background, path to working in massage parlors, working conditions, social networks, sexual health and access to healthcare, victimization by clients and managers, and trust in law enforcement.
Access the Asian Women Working in Massage Parlors in New York City and Los Angeles County, 2014-2016 study page
Aug 13, 2025