Research related to women working in various aspect of the sex industry are faced with higher rates of:

• drug addictions,
• violent assaults 
• mental health problems such as Depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder than the general population.

• 85 % OF THE WOMEN WORKING IN STRIP CLUBS WERE SEXUALLY ABUSED AS CHILDREN.

• 89% OF WOMEN IN THE SEX INDUSTRY SAID THEY WANTED OUT, BUT HAD NO OTHER MEANS FOR SURVIVAL.

• Women in the sex industry experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder at rates equivalent to veterans of combat war.

• 73% of women in prostitution have been raped more than five times. 

• 70% of females who are trafficked are trafficked into the commercial sex industry.  (This includes Porn, Strip Clubs, and massage parlors in the US.) 

Women in the sex industry face a myriad of issues that impact their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Many feel desperately isolated and alone. Because their hurts and needs are multi-faceted, the approach to assisting them in the recovery process needs to be holistic as well.

Characteristics of the women Hadassah's Hope encounters in strip clubs: 

• Poor, single mothers barely making ends meet
• Represent every ethnicity
• Overweight or pregnant or young and fit
• Drive hours from out of town to hide their jobs 

They maybe a lot of things and everything in between but they are certainly fearfully and wonderfully made.  They are loved and are worthy of respect and honor. 

A lot of the woman we speak with are depressed and many times very ashamed. 

In gaining their trust, the women speak freely about multiple instances of abuse and assault.  Some are victims of trafficking, while others are forced into prostitution.  They are often being manipulated by a pimp, either by physical force or emotional coercion. Many are on or addicted to drugs and/or alcohol, which they use to numb their shame and depression.  Another aspect of this vicious cycle is when their income doesn’t pay for the addiction and leads to many to turn to prostitution. 

You are on this page because we have prayed for you. We need you and these women need you. They need to know they are loved and worthy right where they are.  Consider how you can get involved on the front lines or behind the scenes.