SWOP Behind Bars stories

10 Days In -How Survivors see themselves in a new Residential Program

Survivors bring with them a unique set of survival skills honed through their lived experiences of exploitation and violence. These skills, developed under extreme circumstances, often become essential tools as they navigate the challenges of entering a new residential program. During the first 10 days, survivors may rely on these skills in various ways as they work to establish their own sense of safety and control in an unfamiliar environment.

Episode Title 7866498211

For survivors of exploitation, and particularly with multiple intersecting issues like domestic violence, Gender Based Violence, arrest and incarceration, making the decision to step into an anti-trafficking program can feel like entering a new and daunting world—one with potential opportunities for healing, but also defined by rules, expectations, and barriers that can feel overwhelming. These programs, while designed to provide safety and resources, often require survivors to navigate strict eligibility criteria, rigid guidelines, and limited support systems that may not fully address the complex and intersecting challenges they face.

Unlocking Second Chances: The Role of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Support for Women Transitioning from Prison

Women in prison face deeply interconnected challenges of untreated mental health conditions and substance abuse issues. These struggles often persist after release, compounded by systemic barriers such as stigma, housing instability, and limited access to healthcare.

Mass Incarceration: The Invisible Chains in Women's Prisons

Mass incarceration is not merely a statistical issue; it is a profound human rights crisis, disproportionately impacting women, especially those who are LGBTQIA+, people of color, or women who use drugs.

GBI and IPV, and Their Impact on Healthcare in Women’s Prisons and Jails

Gender-based violence (GBV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) are pervasive issues that disproportionately affect women, and their impact often extends far beyond the immediate harm inflicted.
For incarcerated women, these experiences can deeply influence their health and access to care. In the United States, where women represent the fastest-growing segment of the prison population, the intersection of GBV, IPV, and incarceration presents a critical yet largely overlooked public health crisis.

What is Trauma Informed Care?

Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach to healthcare, social services, and corrections that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and seeks to create safe, supportive environments for healing. It acknowledges the role trauma plays in shaping an individual’s behavior, decisions, and overall well-being. Specific to sex workers and survivors of sex trafficking, trauma-informed care centers their lived experiences, avoiding practices that could retraumatize them while promoting empowerment and self-determination.

The Overlooked Health Crisis Women’s Healthcare Challenges in Prisons and Jails

Incarcerated women face a myriad of health challenges, both during their time in jail and upon reentry into society. A 2014 study titled "Health Priorities among Women Recently Released from Jail" sheds light on these challenges and offers valuable insights into the health priorities of these women. Incarcerated women face a multitude of health challenges that are often more severe than those experienced by their male counterparts. These challenges encompass physical health issues, mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and reproductive health concerns. The 2024 Womens Mass Incarceration Prison Policy Initiative Report has considerably updated public data regarding the status of women's health and healthcare in prison and was able to draw direct and clear lines between incarceration and a negative impact of women's health in 4 key areas that lead directly to finding and funding community based solutions that benefit women who are leaving prison or jail in reentry programs.

Why is Listening to Sex Workers so Hard?

The anti-trafficking movement has faced significant criticism over the years, and for good reason. The reliance on law enforcement’s “arrest-and-sort-it-out-later” approach to exploitation is riddled with systemic flaws. Rooted in biases, inequalities, and a lack of trauma-informed care, this strategy often exacerbates harm rather than offering solutions. Instead of addressing the needs of survivors and sex workers, it perpetuates cycles of poverty, criminalization, and marginalization, leaving the very individuals it claims to protect even more vulnerable.

What The F%&$ Do We Do Now?

As the dust settles on yet another intense election season, we’re left with the burning question: What the f&$ do we do now?* Whether you’re reeling from a tough outcome or cautiously optimistic, the road ahead can feel both daunting and uncertain. At SWOP Behind Bars, we want to channel this energy into real, tangible action that aligns with our core mission: supporting sex workers and those impacted by the criminal justice system.

The Future of End Demand Initiatives

We already know End Demand Tactics don't work but the long term implications on individuals and families is devastating to communities. 
If we truly desire to move forward, it’s crucial to reevaluate the effectiveness and humanity of end-demand initiatives. Policies meant to reduce harm should not create new cycles of poverty, trauma, and family destruction. Instead, we must prioritize interventions that address the root causes of systemic inequality and exploitation, offering real support to those impacted.