revealing borderline Cases between corrUption and gendeR-based cRimes and violENce: SEX Instead of Money in Developed Countries

Objective

In recent years, there has been an increase in corruption cases where sex, rather than money, is the currency of the bribe, in which those with authority, power, and influence seek to sexually exploit those who are vulnerable and dependent on their power in exchange for benefits that they have the power to grant, influence or deny. This is the context of recent actions under the EU Strategy for Gender Equality 2020-2025– and the forthcoming Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030–, the EU Security Strategy 2020-2025, and the forthcoming new European internal security strategy. However, when the object of the exchange is a sexual benefit, it can be challenging to determine with certainty the distinction between corrupt transactions in which sex is the currency of the bribe and outright sexual abuse that possibly includes elements of quid pro quo. The lack of common knowledge, language, and tools to address cases occurring at the intersection of corruption and gender-based violence increases the risk of under-reporting, impunity, and secondary victimization. CURRENSEX aims to explore the socio-cultural and legal conditions that allow for the development of borderline cases between corruption and gender-based violence. It ultimately develops guidelines for legal practitioners to facilitate the assessment of cases of abuse of power in which sex represents the currency exchange. To reach this objective, CURRENSEX benefits from comparing Italy with the United States, conducting desk-research and fieldwork in the sectors of private employment and higher education. In addition, to ensure the quality, interdisciplinarity, and innovation of the Project, and gain new skills and competencies, I will conduct my research at the University of Chicago and Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna of Pisa under the guidance and expertise of Professors Kimberly Kay Hoang (sociology of gender) and Gaetana Morgante (criminal law).