In a year when the Violence Against Women Act is once more being discussed in Washington and individuals like Malala Yousafzai are making headlines around the globe, what is the status of sex workers on our streets here in Trenton? Veagle explains that these women are trauma survivors, victims of sexual abuse, drug addicts, or women who just need to make enough money to provide for themselves and their children.
According to Conway, he observed the woman standing outside the Trenton court house, late in the evening, when a guy in a Lexus drove up. Communications major Kevin Parham has lived in the West Ward of Trenton his whole life and says he has never encountered a prostitute looking for work on the street.
In Trenton, there are specific factors that drive women to work in brothels rather than conducting business on the street, according to Aviles. Aviles also said that where prostitutes are found has a direct correspondence to access to drugs, and that many resort to sex work to support drug addiction.
Sexual abuse and trauma is another contributing factor that can cause women to get involved in sex work. Not all women who get involved in prostitution do so because of trauma. Leaving the sex work industry presents numerous challenges. Our hotline is available to talk that through with. It is confidential. We do whatever is necessary to keep the person safe. Womenspace offers counseling for women along with providing emergency shelter for those who need a safe place to stay.
Through the fiscal year, Womenspace had 35 women in their emergency shelter. According to Daks, everyone who stays in the shelter has their own room and is able to get treatment for whatever they need. The women do not have to be out of prostitution or the abusive relationship in order to go to Womenspace.
