Semester
Spring
Date of Graduation
2022
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MA
College
Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Sociology and Anthropology
Committee Chair
Jesse Wozniak
Committee Co-Chair
Sharon Bird
Committee Member
Sharon Bird
Committee Member
Karen Weiss
Abstract
Problem-solving courts incorporate therapeutic and punitive measures in the court process in the criminal justice system. Prostitution Diversion Programs (PDP) are recognition of women in prostitution's inherent systemic struggles to desist and recover. Specialized Prostitution Diversion in Baltimore City and Project Dawn Court in Philadelphia are two PDPs analyzed through a longitudinal study on participants throughout their involvement as well as after they graduate from the program. By addressing the barriers to exiting prostitution through women’s turning points and providing opportunities to overcome hardships, women are more likely to successfully exit prostitution and maintain their sobriety in the long-term. Findings include the effectiveness of the programs, limitations regarding substance abuse treatment, and the significance of trauma-informed and gender-specific social and circumstantial support in preventing recidivism.
Recommended Citation
Mohd Hamdan, Marina Binti, "Barriers and Opportunities to Exiting Prostitution: An Analysis of Prostitution Diversion Programs" (2022). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 11238.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/11238