Research: Barriers
Individual factors are those associated with personal drive, abilities, and sense of self efficacy, which are hampered by trauma, shame, internalized stigma, substance abuse and mental illness, health issues, and lack of knowledge about resources for help (Baker et al. 2010; Oselin 2010; Wilson and Dalton 2008).
Relational factors are those associated with her close relationships and informal social network (Baker et al. 2010). Strained or limited family relationships and associations with those still involved in sex trafficking may negatively impact these factors. Thus, little relational support exists for someone looking to exit; in fact, threats of violence and death for attempting to leave are likely present (Wilson and Dalton 2008).
Structural factors as a barrier to leaving are those associated with societal circumstances. These include a lack of employment available to those with few marketable job skills and a criminal record, a lack of resources for basic needs (e.g., housing, homelessness, poverty, economic self-sufficiency), an unfinished education, and a scarcity of adequate services within the community to meet these complex needs (Baker et al. 2010; Benoit and Millar 2001; Oselin 2010).
Societal factors are those that capture social perceptions (i.e., discrimination and stigma) of prostituted women and likely affect, in profound ways, the other factors (Baker et al. 2010). Attitudes about male and female roles, the context of sexuality, and the concept of sexualization are contributing factors to the demand for sex trafficking and are part of this category (Nixon et al. 2002; Oselin 2010).
The identification of barriers alone is not enough to fully understand and assist with the process of exiting. The process itself is complicated. These barriers do not exist in isolation and cannot be addressed outside of the context of a complicated and difficult situation. The mental and emotional inner turmoil that comes with the decision to escape, quit, leave, and inevitably change one’s circumstances is part of a long journey of qualitative lifestyle changes that are accompanied by obstacles at every turn (Arnold et al. 2000).
Arnold, E. M., Stewart, J. C., & McNeece, C. A. (2000). The psychosocial treatment needs of street-walking prostitutes: perspectives from a case management program. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 30(3/4), 117–132.
Baker, L.M., Dalla, R. L., & Williamson, C. (2010). Exiting prostitution: an integrated model. Violence Against Women, 16(5), 579–600.
Benoit, C., & Millar, A. (2001). Dispelling myths and understanding realities: working conditions, health status, and exiting experiences of sex workers. Victoria, Canada: Prostitutes Empowerment, Education and Resource Society.
Nixon, K., Tutty, L., Downe, P., Gorkoff, K., & Ursel, J. (2002). The everyday occurrence: violence in the lives of girls exploited through prostitution. Violence Against Women, 8(9), 1016–1043.
Oselin, S. S. (2010). Weighing the consequences of a deviant career: factors leading to an exit from prostitution. Sociological Perspectives, 53(4), 527–550.
Wilson, J. M., & Dalton, E. (2008). Human trafficking in the heartland: variation in law enforcement awareness and response. Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice, 24(3), 296–313.