Haven to help sex workers being launched in Palmerston North

Stuff co.nz 8 April 2016
Family First Comment: Fantastic initiative. Pity the prostitution law has exacerbated the harm and risk. “It might be big money, the night life, bright lights, that sort of thing. The night life and the money is good, but it’s not worth it. The guilt that you carry inside – women don’t talk about that. They’ll say they’re fine and put on a mask but underneath, it’s not like that.” – Former prostitute
Women wanting to escape the sex trade will soon be able to seek refuge in Palmerston North after the creation of a safe house – the first facility of its kind in the country.
A Palmerston North woman and former sex worker, who goes by the name Rosalie Haven, is behind the efforts to help get at risk women off the streets and into a safe environment.
The house would be a safe place for women to seek shelter and receive help and support, including counselling and assistance with alcohol and drug addictions.
She said a location had been secured but financial support and donations were still needed. When the house was up and running, about three women would be able to live there at one time.
Haven said it could be really hard for women to leave the sex scene.
“There could be a number on their life, there could be boyfriends, pimps dragging them back in. It’s a very hard thing to break from but you can do it.”
“Instead of them taking hospital beds, which costs the taxpayers big money, if they were given redirection, love and kindness, they would be able to turn their lives around and put something back into the community.”
READ MORE: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/78713274/haven-to-help-sex-workers-being-launched-in-palmerston-north