This leads to life situations where they are stigmatised, marginalised, locked out of society. Many are in crisis and many are street sex-working.
Last year, we supported 37 women to break free from street sex work, 48 were helped to avoid street sex work and 63 maintained their freedom. Overall, One25 worked with 241 women in 2019-20. And we don’t just want to see them make safer, healthier choices – we want to see them absolutely thrive!
They’re somebody’s daughter, somebody’s sister, even somebody’s mother… Of the women we met last year:
All had experienced domestic and/or sexual violence.
49 were attacked.
66% had experienced childhood trauma.
82% were in active addiction.
81% experience chronic ill health.
68% experienced homelessness.
We work with women who are marginalised in different ways. And One25 is the only organisation in Bristol specifically supporting street sex-working women. Our working ethos of unconditional love means we work with each woman who needs us until she is ready to move on. wherever she is on her journey, we give love and practical support, without judgement or expectation. We celebrate each step and we never give up.
The women we meet street sex-working are in desperate situations. They are 12 times more likely to be murdered than other women. About 80% experience homelessness, 92% have chronic ill health and nearly all are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. These women have all experienced domestic or sexual violence and many also experienced childhood trauma.
We meet women who are deeply traumatised from childhood abuse and violence. Yet these courageous women show tremendous skills and potential: in their supportive peer relationships, their creativity and humour, and their survival.
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