Project ROSE: An Arrest Alternative for Victims of Sex Trafficking and Prostitution

Authors: Roe-Sepowitz, Dominique; Gallagher, James; Hickle, Kristine; Pérez Loubert, Martha & Tutelman, John

Abstract: This study explores a pilot arrest alternative for sex-trafficked and prostituted adults regarding diversion program attendance, completion, and 12-month recidivism. Two groups were compared using chi-square analyses. The pilot participants were 43 women identified as having committed a prostitution-related crime. They were compared to 42 women arrested and charged with prostitution. No differences were found between the two groups regarding diversion attendance, completion or prostitution-related recidivism. Benefits of the pilot intervention include similar diversion results, cost-savings, intelligence gathering, and a community perspective of victim-centered services for prostituted adults.

Keywords: exiting, prostitution, sex trafficking, sex work, vice