Abstract
This study examined the needs of survivors of sexual exploitation, who are in the sex work industry, through the perspectives of the service providers who work with this population. In depth interviews were conducted with 17 service providers, some of whom chose to self-disclose their status as survivors of sexual exploitation themselves. Perspectives of service providers were sought regarding the economic needs and barriers, the health needs and barriers, the psychological needs and barriers, the social needs and barriers, as well as any other additional needs that the providers felt were important to meeting the needs of sex workers. The major findings indicate a strong need for sex workers to have choices for economic self-sufficiency as a pre-requirement for health needs fulfillment, and opportunities for vocational training as a way to achieve sustainable income. Additionally, the service providers interviewed for this study indicated a need for survivor run support groups and quality health coverage. The recommendations made by the researchers emphasize the importance of allocation of funds for health and basic needs restoration of sex workers, harm reduction approach to service delivery, training of professionals who deliver services to this population on the need for integrated non-judgmental service delivery systems.