Social workers speak about realities of prostitution
Kristi Schaefer, Contributing Writer
Issue date: 4/22/08 Section: Perspectives
From expensive lofts in New York City, to cars on East Colfax here in Denver, women exchange sex for money, goods and services. Scholars and activists have debated and philosophized the nature of prostitution, calling it everything from "positive sexual expression," to "legitimate employment" to "oppressive violence against women."
I first started exploring the issue of prostitution because I wanted to understand all sides of the debate and to figure out where I stand. After reading numerous articles and stories, I realized that in the face of the very real harm experienced by many women in prostitution, philosophical arguments feel much less important.
I decided to seek out professional social workers who work directly with women in prostitution, to hear what they had to say regarding the nature of prostitution. These professionals, who all work for the Empowerment Program, talked about what women experience in prostitution, factors that contribute to women engaging in prostitution, as well as possible solutions. (I will be using the term "women in prostitution" as opposed to "prostitutes" which labels women entirely based on their involvement in prostitution or "prostituted women" which is language that denies the women any agency).
According to their website, the Empowerment Program provides a variety of services for women who find themselves in "disadvantaged positions due to incarceration, poverty, homelessness, HIV/AIDS infection or involvement in the criminal justice system." Specific services include GED tutoring, job training, counseling, case management, and a place that fosters a supportive community. All services are provided with the goal of "offer[ing] viable alternatives to habits and choices that may lead to criminal behavior," and of "decreas[ing] rates of recidivism."
Much like St. John Francis Regis, the patron saint of social workers and namesake of our University, the Empowerment Program provides women in prostitution a safe place away from many of the dangers of their work, and offers tools for women to get out of prostitution.
I first started exploring the issue of prostitution because I wanted to understand all sides of the debate and to figure out where I stand. After reading numerous articles and stories, I realized that in the face of the very real harm experienced by many women in prostitution, philosophical arguments feel much less important.
I decided to seek out professional social workers who work directly with women in prostitution, to hear what they had to say regarding the nature of prostitution. These professionals, who all work for the Empowerment Program, talked about what women experience in prostitution, factors that contribute to women engaging in prostitution, as well as possible solutions. (I will be using the term "women in prostitution" as opposed to "prostitutes" which labels women entirely based on their involvement in prostitution or "prostituted women" which is language that denies the women any agency).
According to their website, the Empowerment Program provides a variety of services for women who find themselves in "disadvantaged positions due to incarceration, poverty, homelessness, HIV/AIDS infection or involvement in the criminal justice system." Specific services include GED tutoring, job training, counseling, case management, and a place that fosters a supportive community. All services are provided with the goal of "offer[ing] viable alternatives to habits and choices that may lead to criminal behavior," and of "decreas[ing] rates of recidivism."
Much like St. John Francis Regis, the patron saint of social workers and namesake of our University, the Empowerment Program provides women in prostitution a safe place away from many of the dangers of their work, and offers tools for women to get out of prostitution.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
anon
posted 4/22/08 @ 11:02 AM MST
I think a better article would compare/contrast prostitution in the US with prostitution in other countries--specifically ones that have legalized it. (Continued…)
Courtney Shakeshaft
posted 3/16/09 @ 7:07 AM MST
Good and interesting article, thanks!
Sharon Theodoric
posted 3/20/09 @ 9:42 AM MST
Thank you for writing the article, I am very pleased with how it came out.
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