Characteristics of Women Seeking Services at a Transitional Housing Facility for Women Leaving Street-Based Sex Work: Implications for Social Service Providers |
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| Authors: | Jennifer Hankel Misty Heil Susan Dewey Nina Martinez |
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| Institution: | 1. Jennifer Hankel, M.A., is Independent Scholar at the University of Denver, Josef Korbel School of International Studies, Denver, COjennifer.hankel11@gmail.com;3. Misty Heil, B.A., is a student, and Susan Dewey, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the University of Wyoming, Gender and Women's Studies, Laramie, WY;4. Nina Martinez, M.A., is the Executive Director at Street's Hope, Denver, CO. |
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| Abstract: | ABSTRACTWomen who decide to leave street-based sex work often struggle with addiction, trauma-related mental health consequences, and exclusion from employment and housing. To offer recommendations for social service providers, this article draws upon primary data from interviews and surveys with 87 residents at a transitional housing facility for women leave sex work to elucidate: 1) a demographic profile of the women, 2) life history patterns and circumstances that encourage women to leave street-based sex work and 3) recommendations for service providers. Results indicate the need for service providers to assist women with basic needs, strengthen referral networks, and extend trauma-informed services. |
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| Keywords: | Trauma substance abuse service-provision sex work homeless |
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