Support for Persons in Prostitution and Assistance with Exiting

Since 2001, Društvo Ključ – Center for Combating Human Trafficking has been providing direct support to victims of human trafficking. In Slovenia, the majority of identified victims are women and girls exploited in prostitution. Through our work, we recognized the need for a program that had not yet been implemented at the national level—one specifically aimed at supporting women, children, and other individuals involved in prostitution.

This program focuses on offering various forms of support to people who are not yet ready or able to leave prostitution and/or are unwilling to share information about the abuse they have experienced with law enforcement authorities.

We believe that some will eventually choose to exit prostitution, as our experience shows that even those who initially claim they chose this line of work begin to feel its consequences over time: poor self-image, self-stigmatization, relationship issues, inability to form or maintain intimate relationships, difficulties with sexual intimacy, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, various addictions, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Due to their lifestyle (e.g., poor nutrition, addiction, exhaustion), many also suffer from health problems and develop chronic conditions. People in prostitution frequently experience poor working conditions, violence, debt bondage, and have little to no control over clients, number of clients, sexual practices, or protection.

The primary goal of the program is to provide a comprehensive, needs-based approach and to offer support through services we have been delivering for many years. In addition to offering support, the program aims to provide a critically important alternative in situations where individuals often believe no other choice exists.

The program objectives include:

  • providing information and teaching skills to maintain and improve health, with a focus on mental health;

  • strengthening the psychological wellbeing of persons in prostitution (improving satisfaction, self-esteem, relationships, daily functioning, and the ability to manage life and cope with challenges);

  • empowering individuals in prostitution (regaining control over their lives, building confidence in their abilities, and recognizing that more choices exist);

  • creating opportunities for a safe exit from prostitution, should they choose to do so (through inclusion in the Comprehensive Care and (Re)Integration Program already implemented by Društvo Ključ).

Participants will have access to psychotherapy, psychosocial counselling, therapeutic and psychoeducational workshops, sports activities, and opportunities to build social networks outside of harmful environments. We will offer accompaniment and advocacy at various institutions. For foreign nationals, Slovenian language lessons will be available.

Support can be accessed anonymously or in person. Anonymous support is available through various channels managed by our organization, including phone, email, and social media. In-person meetings will be arranged through individual counselling sessions and group activities.

The program is co-financed by the Ministry of Health.