Exiting street prostitution is widely recognized as a complex and non-linear process, with many women requiring multiple attempts before achieving sustained exit. Despite the central role of external support in this process, little research has examined women’s experiences of help-seeking while exiting from survivors’ perspective. The research question of this study addresses this gap by exploring how women exiting street prostitution and substance use perceive and navigate help-seeking. Drawing on in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 29 adult women enrolled in five recovery and support programs in the greater Philadelphia area, this qualitative study examines participants’ narratives regarding their need for, and engagement with, help during the exit process. The analysis focuses on identifying perceived barriers to help-seeking and the meanings women ascribe to receiving support. Findings indicate that most participants experienced significant difficulty asking for help, even when recognizing its necessity. Barriers included prior negative experiences with both informal (family and peers) and formal (service providers) support systems, as well as shame, stigma, and fear of judgment. Notably, participants also described internal barriers such as pride and a strong sense of self-reliance, which complicated their willingness to seek assistance. The findings highlight the need for service providers to address intrapersonal barriers to help-seeking. Implications include the importance of peer-based support models, trauma-informed approaches, and reframing help-seeking as a form of strength rather than weakness. By centering women’s lived experiences, this study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the exit process and offers practical recommendations for improving engagement in support services.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Nili Gesser is senior lecturer in the Department of Criminology at Bar-Ilan University. She earned her PhD in criminal justice from Temple University and completed postdoctoral fellowships in psychology and criminology at the University of North Dakota and Drexel University. Her research focuses on prostitution, substance use, and restorative justice.