Walking through the Fire

Abstract

Women involved in sex work experience high rates of abuse often from multiple perpetrators. This study examined the impacts of a novel community-based program addressing the intersecting issues of sex work and abuse using a coercive control framework. Five years of qualitative data from 88 women and 20 peer facilitators revealed complex histories of trauma that deeply impacted women’s capacity for healing. Results also showed that the group program created opportunities for shared learning, a sense of community and relationship equity. Follow-up supports are necessary to sustain and build on the program successes and for long-term safety-related empowerment.