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D I S M A N T L I N G T H E M Y T H S
PROSTITUTION
WHAT IS PROSTITUTION?
• Prostitution: sex for money, drugs, and housing or any other compensation • Workers in the sex trade
Retrieved at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/12/sex-trade-study_n_4951891.html
PROSTITUTION & TRAUMA
How does Prostitution relate to trauma?
• Trauma: direct exposure to death, threatened death, actual or threatened, serious injury, or actual or threatened sexual violence (DSM-5)
Retrieved from http://www.centura.org/trauma-network/
SEX TRADE
What constitutes the sex trade? • Street-prostitution • Brothels • Massage Parlors • Escort Services • Strip Clubs • Pornography
(Farley, et al., 2003)
H T T P S : / / W W W . Y O U T U B E . C O M / W A T C H ? V = J V D 3 T J J A F 3 C
PRETTY WOMAN TRAILER
PROMINENT MYTHS OF PROSTITUTION
•Prostitution is… • A choice • A reasonable
vocation • Safe, if regulated • Sexually Fulfilling • Empowering
Both retrieved from http://www.sexworkeurope .org/users/turnoffthebluelig ht
UNDERSTANDING CHOICE
• History of Sexual Abuse • 70 to 80 involved in the sex trade have a
childhood history of sexual abuse. (Ward & Roe-Sepowitz, 2009; Hom & Woods, 2013; Surratt, Kurtz, Chen, & Mooss, 2012; Taylor,
2011; Roe-Sepowitz, Hickle, Cimno, 2012).
• Greater risk of a myriad of physical, emotional, and mental ailments in the future (Igelman, et al., 2007) • Victimization-revictimization cycle
(Ward & Roe-Sepowitz, 2009; Hom & Woods, 2013; Surratt, Kurtz, Chen, & Mooss, 2012; Taylor, 2011; Fitzpatrick, et. al, 2010)
Retrieved from https://castinglargeshadows.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/bewellandlive.jpg
UNDERSTANDING CHOICE
• Financial Concerns: • Often no alternate
source of income (Roxburgh, Degenhardt, & Copeland, 2006)
• “Easy” and only way to make big money (Strega, Casey, & Rutman, 2009; Roe-Sepowitz, Hickle, Cimno, 2012)
Copyright © Unitewomen.org – Equality for All.
UNDERSTANDING CHOICE
• Social/Financial Paradox (Nolot, 2014; Jackson, Bennett, & Sowinski, 2007).
• Family pressure to provide/Guilt and Shame • Children of their own/Unfit to Parents
Stolen AwayCopyright © 1995. Soon-Duk Kim. All Rights Reserved.
© P R O S T I T U T I O N R E S E A R C H & E D U C A T I O N , S A N F R A N C I S C O 2 0 0 8 W W W . P R O S T I T U T I O N R E S E A R C H . C O M
PROSTITUTION’S HIERARCHY OF COERCION
UNDERSTANDING SEX WORK
• Physical Harm • Physical violence is
commonplace within the dynamics between pimps, johns, and the sex worker. (Hom & Woods, 2013; RoeSepowitz, Hickle, Cimno, 2012; Ward & Roe-Sepowitz, 2009)
• In study across 9 countries: (Farly, et al, 2003) • 71% Physically Assaulted • 63 % Raped • Mortality Rate 40% Higher
than the national average (Prostitution Research and Education)
The Wolves. Mural Copyright 2013. Tanya Wischerath.
UNDERSTANDING SEX WORK
• Physical Harm (cont.) • Increased risk of STIs
• In a study of sex workers in Miami, researchers found that the violent victimization and severe mental health issues faced by those in the trade only further increase the risk of contracting HIV (Surratt, Kurtz, Chen, & Mooss, 2012)
UNDERSTANDING SEX WORK
• Physical Harm (cont.) • Pregnancy • The unprotected sex will lead to a higher
chance of pregnancy. • Abortion • Often women in the trade, especially if
under the control of a pimp will also be coerced into receiving an abortion, which has the potential to have a dramatic impact on the woman.
(Hom & Woods, 2013)
UNDERSTANDING SEX WORK
• Substance Abuse • Research indicates
anywhere from 60- 85% of sex workers identify substance addiction as a problem (Farley, Lynne, & Cotton, 2005; Ward & Day, 2006)
• Vicious cycle (Strega, Casey, & Rutman, 2009; Taylor, 2011)
Self- Medication
Money for Substance
Prostitution
UNDERSTANDING SEX WORK
“Social Support” • No healthy
social/familial (Jackson, Bennett, & Sowinski, 2007)
• Pimp/sex worker community might be only source of social support (Hom & Woods, 2013; Jackson, Bennett, & Sowinski, 2007)
Woman in Greek Prostitution. Photo by Angelos Tzortzinis Copyright © 2013
N E F A R I O U S : M E R C H A N T O F S O U L S
NEFARIOUS
COUNSELING SEX WORKERS
• Mental Health Concerns: • 68% of sex workers met PTSD
criteria • Trauma related disorders
include: • post-traumatic stress disorder, • dissociative disorder, • intense anxiety or a mood disorder, • and further resulting often in
multiple other mental health and general stability issues
(Ward & Roe-Sepowitz, 2009; Hom & Woods, 2013)
(Farley, et al. 2003)
Retrieved from http://vvnw.org/home/images/PTSD_Pag
es/ptsd_brain.png
COUNSELING SEX WORKERS
• Mental Health Concerns (cont.): • Additionally, the population of sex
workers has been found to portray a higher concentration of serious mental illness, often linked to occurrences of intimate partner violence and childhood sexual abuse.
(Ward & Roe-Sepowitz, 2009; Hom & Woods, 2013)
COUNSELING SEX WORKERS
• Mental Health Concerns (cont.): • Suicidality: • Research indicates that
suicidal thoughts, ideation, and planning will increase after a traumatic event (Krysinka, Lester, & Martin, 2009).
• Those with PTSD symptoms were found almost 15 times more likely to attempt suicide than those without PTSD (Jackson, Bennett, & Sowinski, 2007).
Retrieved from https://henryehooper.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/ptsd-cover.jpg
COUNSELING SEX WORKERS • Mental Health Concerns (cont.): • Suicidality: • The chances only increase as co-occurrence of
other disorders and substance abuse problems begin to factor in (Jackson, Bennett, & Sowinski, 2007).
• Hom and Woods also report that first-line service providers to those taken out of trafficking indicate depression and a deep despair that can be accompanied by suicidal ideations; this is further darkened by the shame and guilt associated with sexual assault and victimization (2013).
COUNSELING SEX WORKERS
• Current Research: • Substantial research in the
area of treatment for sex workers is still needed!
• Two major themes in current research: • Working through past
traumatic experiences • Cultivating new and healthy
relationships (Ward & Roe-Sepowitz, 2009)
Retrieved from https://philadelphiabookgallery.files.wordpress.com
COUNSELING SEX WORKERS
Other Treatment Considerations: • Co-occurring disorders • Substance abuse • Problems with parenting • Perception and stigma of
prostitution • Job training • Revictimization • Trauma symptoms • Shelter (Ward & Roe-Sepowitz, 2009; Taylor, 2011)
“Skirt of Sacrifice”2000PastelArtist: Autumn BurrisCopyright ©
2000. Autumn Burris.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
• Current Research (cont.) • Holistic Treatment
Options • Physical • Mental • Emotional • Spiritual needs
(Hom & Woods, 2013)
Retrieved from www.richs.com
WHAT TO REMEMBER
• Current Research (cont.) • The importance of • validating the
individual, • helping foster a sense
of autonomy, • remaining full of grace
and patience, • and recognizing and
responding to the full effect of the trauma on the survivor.
(Hom & Woods, 2013) Retrieved from Pinterest. Original Source Unknown.
COUNSELING THEORIES
• Current Research (cont.) • Trauma-based Treatment • Empirically-Based
Treatment for PTSD (Taylor, 2011) • Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy • Desensitization and
reprocessing • Exposure Therapy
COUNSELING THEORIES
• Feminist Therapy • Revolves around the idea of
societal oppression of women • Acutely addresses violence
against women and empowers them to understand their worth and value separate from what they have been told by the men in their lives or culture as a whole
(Murdock, 2013; Cleman, 2005)
Retrieved from http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/wp- content/uploads/2015/05/Feminism.jpg
COUNSELING THEORIES
• Additional positive aspects of feminist theory include focus on: • Personal strengths, • Collaboration between the
professional and the client, affirmation of the unique perspective of a woman, expansion of alternative life choices, • And promotion of healthy, mutually
beneficial female relationships. (Murdock, 2013; Cleman, 2005)
P R O V I D E D B Y A Z I Z A N S A R I
QUICK COMIC RELIEF MOMENT
GROUP THERAPY
• Research Support for Group Work, as it: • encourages mutual aid, • dispels myths about sex work and abuse, • validates emotions, • empowers individuals to take control of their lives • allows for a safe and stable environment to foster
community and speak freely. (Clemans, 2005; Hickle & Roe-Sepowitz, 2014; Ward & Roe-Sepowitz, 2009; Velazco, 2011; Roe-Sepowitz, Hickle, & Cimno, 2012)
GROUP THERAPY
• Other group considerations: • Psychoeducational: • Debunk myths • Provide instruction • Redirect with healthy
guidance (Clemans, 2005; Hickle & Roe-Sepowitz, 2014; Ward & Roe-Sepowitz, 2009)Retrieved from http://www.psychotherapist.org/cegrpdrawing_bf8.gif
GROUP THERAPY
• Other group considerations (cont.): • Facilitator should demonstrate a
spirit of positivity and consistency with her group members • Co-facilitator who has walked
through the sex work path can • be helpful in building rapport, • modeling healthy behavior
changes, • and bringing an extra level of
authenticity to the group dynamic
(Clemans, 2005; Hickle & Roe-Sepowitz, 2014; Ward & Roe-Sepowitz, 2009)
PROSTITUTION EXITING PROGRAMS
Esuba (Ward & Roe-Sepowitz, 2009)
• Currently incarcerated prostitutes • “Psychoeducational
therapy group designed to heighten awareness of abuse and violence while teaching anger management and communication skills”
SWAT (Strega, Casey, & Rutman, 2009)
• Inpatient program • Peer-based model
for sex workers Substance abuse treatment programs • Psychoeducational
workshops (health, legal and safety issue) • Therapeutic
treatment
EXAMPLE: THISTLE FARMS
• Residential Program/Social Enterprise • Therapy • Medical Care • Free Education • Job Training
Retrieved from thistlefarms.org
BIBLE AND PROSTITUTION
• Notable Prostitutes in the Bible • Rahab (Joshua 2) • Gomer (Hosea) • Proverbs’ warning
against harlots
Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahab
Retrieved from https://nikkipruitt182.wordpress.c om/2013/10/31/why-did-hosea- marry-a-prostitute/
JESUS AND PROSTITUTES
• Luke 7: 36-50 • A Sinful Woman Forgiven • “for she loved much”
“For She Loved Much” Art & Photo by Tia Poissant
REFERENCES
• Antonopoulou, C. (2006). Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in victims of sex-related trafficking. Inernational Psychology Bulletin, 10 (4), 32-37. Profiles of adult survivors of severe sexual, physical and emotional institutional abuse in Ireland. Child Abuse Review, 19, 387-404.
• Fitzpatrick, M., Carr, A., Dooley, B., Flanagan-Howard, R., Flanagan, E., Tierney, K., White, M., Daly, M., Shevlin, M., & Egan, J. (2010). Profiles of adult surviviors of severe sexual, physical, and emotional institutional abuse in Ireland. Child Abuse Review, 19: 384-404.
• Hom, K., & Woods, S. (2013). Trauma and its aftermath for commercially sexually exploited women as told by front-line service providers. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 34, 75-81.
• Igelman, R., Taylor, N., Gilbert, A., Ryan, B., Steinberg, A., Wilson, C., & Mann, G. (2007). Creating more trauma-informed services for children using assessment-focused tools. Child Welfare, 86(5), 15-33.
• International Labor Office. (2009). The cost of coercion. Geneva, Switzerland. • Jackson, L., Bennett, C., & Sowinski, B. (2007). Stress in the sex trade and beyond: Women working in the sex trade talk about
emotional stressors in their working and home lives. Critical Public Health, 17(3) 257-271. • Krysinska, K., Lester, D., & Martin, G. (2009). Suicidal behavior after a traumatic event. Journal of Trauma Nursing, 16(2), 103-
110. • Maddox, T. (2011). Modern-day slavery: A problem that can’t be ignored. The CNN Freedom Project. Retrieved from
http://thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/04/modern-day-slavery-a-problem-that-cant-be-ignored/ • Nolot, B. (Producer & Director). (2014). Nefarious: Merchant of Souls. (Documentary). United States of America: Exodus Cry. • Roe-Sepowitz, D., Hickle, K., Cimno, A. (2012). The impact of abuse history and trauma symptoms on successful completion of
a prostitution-exiting program. Journal of Human Behavior on the Social Environment, 22, 65-77. • Roxburgh, A., Degenhardt, L., & Copeland, J. (2006). Posttraumatic stress disorder among female street-based sex workers in
the greater Sydney area. Australia. BMC Psychiatry, 624-12. • Strega, S., Casey, L., & Rutman, D. (2009). Sex workers addressing treatment. Women’s Health & Urban Life, 8(1), 42-53. • Surratt, H., Kurtz, S., Chen, M., & Moss, A. (2012). HIV risk among female sex workers in Miami: The impact of violent
victimization and untreated mental illness. AIDS Care, 24 (5), 553-561. • Taylor, O. (2011). The sexual victimization of women: Substance abuse, HIV, prostitution, and intimate partner violence as
underlying correlates. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 21, 834-848. • Ward, A., & Roe-Sepowitz, D. (2009). Assessing the effectiveness of a trauma-oriented approach to treating prostituted
women in a prison and a community exiting program. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment, & Trauma, 18, 293-312.