SWOP Behind Bars Advocacy from the Margins

Becoming a Mentor By Mail to an Incarcerated Sex Worker or Trafficking Survivor: A Guide to Making a Meaningful Connection

Incarceration can be one of the most isolating experiences a person can endure, especially for sex workers and survivors of trafficking. For these individuals, receiving a letter in the mail is more than just a communication—it’s a lifeline, a moment of human connection in an otherwise dehumanizing system. Whether handwritten or sent electronically through secure prison email systems, letters remind people behind bars that they are not forgotten and that someone cares about their humanity and story.
At SWOP Behind Bars, we believe in the power of correspondence to uplift, empower, and advocate for those who have been marginalized and criminalized. If you’re interested in becoming a pen pal to an incarcerated sex worker or survivor of trafficking, here’s how to get started and what to keep in mind.

On the Super Bowl, Safety and Solidarity

Every year, around this time, the airwaves in whatever city is hosting the Super Bowl are flooded with public services announcements about sex trafficking. Billboards go up. Police officers receive special training. Media asks organizations that work to reduce trafficking to comment on the “biggest sex trafficking event of the  year.”
There is no evidence that the actual volume of sex trafficking increases as a result of the Super Bowl. More importantly, we collectively try to make the point that the hype often leads to a damaging response - arresting people who are directly selling sex. 
Historically, the anti-trafficking and sex worker rights movements have struggled to find common ground and the disagreements have sometimes become heated. But this is one thing we passionately agree upon. We believe our time, talent, and treasure is best invested toward supporting the direct needs of those with lived experience, as opposed to coercive intervention. There are others. Our areas of agreement are based in shared deeply held values and commitments: To the dignity of each and every human being and to an end to violence, against people in the sex trades, to name a few.
With that in mind, we come together this January - Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month, to offer the following shared recommendations.

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.

Behind The Rescue Door

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.