Prostitution &: Barriers to services

This series is called “Prostitution &.” The series will highlight the complex and multifaceted phenomenon that is commercial sexual exploitation. Today, I will discuss common challenges for victims of commercial sexual exploitation. You may also want to read previous posts in the series, “Prostitution &: An introduction,” “Prostitution &: Public Health,” “Prostitution &: Poverty,” and “Prostitution &: Segregation.”

While many victims of exploitation express the need for services, a gap exists between a victim’s present reality of exploitation and his or her ability to access services. Multiple access barriers are present including documentation or identification, emergency medical and dental care, the need for detox, program costs, and comprehensive program applications and screenings (Gerassi et al., 2017; Rajaram & Tidball, 2018). Victims of commercial sexual exploitation in the United States expressed that: 78% needed a safe home or safe place; 73% needed job training; 61% needed healthcare; 56% needed counseling; 67% needed drug/alcohol treatment; 23% needed physical protection from an exploiter (pimp); and 87% wanted out (Farley, 2004).

While victims of commercial sexual exploitation often attempt to access services, only 1 in 100 is able to do so (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2012). Trafficking victims reported only seeing three ways of getting out of exploitation: 1) Become unprofitable (via mental illness or advanced pregnancy); 2) be assisted by a client, or 3) die (Stewart & Gajic-Veljanoski, 2005).

With segregation, reliable transportation becomes critical so that individuals can access jobs, childcare, grocery stores, medical appointments, and other necessary services. In Atlanta, MARTA trains only run to a few areas of the city, causing the rest of the city to rely on buses (Leonhardt, 2013). These buses can increase one's commute from 20 minutes to 2 hours. Commute time increases further when children need to be dropped off at school and when other critical errands need to be run. Unfortunately, many of the jobs that can be accessed by MARTA do not pay a livable wage.

The next portion of the series — “Prostitution &: Incarceration” — will be out next week!