Trauma and Substance Abuse Among Women in Prostitution: Implications for a Specialized Diversion Program

Abstract

This study was undertaken to inform the implementation of a specialized prostitution diversion program to help women quit prostitution and avoid criminal prosecution. Data on 17 women’s experience of trauma and substance abuse and their views on how these experiences affected their involvement in prostitution were gathered in focus groups and face-to-face interviews (including measures of substance abuse, trauma, and PTSD) conducted at a drop-in program in Baltimore, Maryland. The results indicate that the women experienced high levels of trauma and substance abuse interwoven with prostitution. Trauma-informed services and integrated substance abuse and trauma-specific treatment are needed.