Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative Safe Exit Initiative

#End_Demand_SEI

Providing Support and Advocating for Change.

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#End_Demand_SEI

Providing Support and Advocating for Change.

Donate Now

About Safe Exit Initiative

Our Mission

To create safe and sustainable exits

from exploitation and the sex trade

through quality programming,

strategic partnerships,

and comprehensive legislative initiatives.

Our Impact

Prostitution is the outcome of systemic oppressions rooted in racism, misogyny and bigotry. It is the product of poverty, educational inequities, lack of access to quality healthcare, safe and reliable child care, and societal acceptance of these outcomes.

We cannot effectively end the sex trade without acknowledging the roles that institutionalized hatreds and social conditioning play in societies ability to ignore, subjugate, and blame vulnerable populations for situations and circumstances out of their control.

At SEI, we served over 500 unique individuals across our programs in 2022. With the launch of our legal clinic and the Policy and Research Practice in 2023 and 2024, respectively, we are positioned to make an even greater impact throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the mid-Atlantic region through our policy and advocacy work.

Prostitution does not happen in a vacuum. The sex trade is rooted in multiple factors of exploitation and each of these must be addressed in order to make change.

It follows that ending the sex trade will require the work of many, from governments to constituents, from law enforcement to child welfare systems, from private foundations to corporate sponsors and in our capacities as professionals and private individuals this is a movement that requires all of us to collectively agree that a culture that promotes and condones the buying of human beings is one that we reject.

About Safe Exit Initiative

Our History

Welcome

Safe Exit Initiative (SEI) has emerged as the evolution of Living In Freedom Together (LIFT), Inc. Founded in 2015, LIFT initially focused on providing direct services and crisis intervention resources to individuals in the sex trade. As our programming expanded, it became evident that a more comprehensive and strategic approach was necessary.

In response to the evolving needs and challenges, in 2023 LIFT transitioned into the Safe Exit Initiative (SEI). With this transition, SEI is poised to carry forward the impactful work initiated by LIFT, with a renewed dedication to ending the sex trade by addressing the systemic causes of exploitation which include racial and gender inequities, most prominently.

Our History

Living In Freedom Together (LIFT), Inc. was founded in 2015 with a passionate commitment to providing immediate support and crisis intervention to individuals in the sex trade. The establishment of the Drop-In Center marked the beginning of our journey, offering a safe and welcoming space for those seeking refuge and resources.

In 2019, we expanded our reach and impact with the establishment of Jana's Place. This initiative was a significant step forward, allowing us to broaden our direct services and provide more comprehensive support to individuals experiencing the intersection of substance use disorder (SUD), mental health disorders (MHD), and exploitation in the sex trade.

The year 2020 witnessed the launch of HARBOR, a vital component of our commitment to creating a safer environment. HARBOR is the expansion of the Drop-In Center with extended operating hours, access to onsite medical care, case management services, and a mobile outreach van, along with all the traditional supports of the original Drop-In Center, offering resources and assistance to those navigating the challenging journey of exiting the sex trade.

Recognizing the legal barriers faced by individuals in the sex trade, we established the Legal Clinic in 2022. This initiative aimed to provide pro bono legal services as a barrier reduction tool for people wishing to leave the sex trade. Arrests for prostitution-related charges create a criminal record that bars people from gainful employment opportunities, access to safe and stable housing, and educational resources like school loans. The inability to achieve these things act as barriers to exiting the sex trade in a sustainable way.

Building on our commitment to systemic change, SEI introduced the Policy & Research Practice in 2024. This initiative marked a strategic move towards addressing the root causes of exploitation through policy advocacy and research. By influencing change at the systemic level, SEI aims to create a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by the sex trade.

In our ongoing quest to make a meaningful impact, SEI has expanded its reach into the Greater Washington DC/Baltimore area. This expansion allows us to extend our services and advocacy efforts to a wider community, bringing hope and transformation to even more lives.

Join Us in Our Journey

SEI is more than an organization – it's a commitment to empowerment, transformation, and the pursuit of a world free from the harms of the sex trade. Join us in our journey as we continue to evolve, expand, and make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and communities. Together, we can build a future where everyone can live in freedom, safety, and dignity.

The intersection of Prostitution, substance use disorder, and mental health disorders

Navigating the Intersection of Prostitution, Substance Use Disorder, and Mental Health Disorders

At the Safe Exit Initiative (SEI), we recognize the intricate and often challenging intersection of prostitution, substance use disorder, and mental health disorders. Understanding and addressing this complex interplay is essential for providing comprehensive support to individuals caught in this web of vulnerabilities.

1. Vulnerabilities and Exploitation:

Many individuals engaged in prostitution face a myriad of challenges, including substance use disorder and mental health disorders. These vulnerabilities can be exploited by those seeking to perpetuate the cycle of exploitation, making it crucial to approach each individual with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to addressing the root causes.

2. Trauma-Informed Care:

SEI adopts a trauma-informed care approach to address the interconnected issues of prostitution, substance use disorder, and mental health disorders. Recognizing the Complex Trauma experienced by individuals in the sex trade, we prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment that acknowledges the impact of trauma on mental health and substance use.

3. Holistic Support Services:

Individuals facing this intersection require holistic support services that address their unique needs. SEI offers a range of services, including counseling, therapy, and support groups tailored to the challenges associated with prostitution, substance use, and mental health. By providing a comprehensive and integrated approach, we aim to empower individuals on their journey to recovery.

4. Breaking the Stigma:

Stigmatization further exacerbates the challenges faced by those at the intersection of prostitution, substance use disorder, and mental health disorders. SEI is committed to breaking down societal stigmas and fostering an environment of understanding and acceptance. By reducing stigma, we create space for individuals to seek help without fear of judgment or discrimination.

5. Collaboration with Healthcare Providers:

SEI collaborates with healthcare providers and professionals to ensure individuals receive specialized care that addresses the unique complexities of their situations. By fostering partnerships with mental health professionals, addiction specialists, and medical practitioners, we enhance our ability to provide comprehensive care.

6. Advocacy for Systemic Change:

SEI is actively engaged in advocating for systemic changes that address the root causes of prostitution, substance use disorder, and mental health disorders. Through policy initiatives and community outreach, we strive to create an environment that supports prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation.

Join Us in Breaking the Cycle

SEI invites individuals, communities, and policymakers to join us in breaking the cycle of exploitation and vulnerability. By fostering understanding, providing holistic support, and advocating for systemic change, we can create a world where individuals at this intersection find the compassion, resources, and opportunities they need for a brighter future. Together, let's navigate this intersection with empathy and a commitment to positive change.

why partial decriminalization?

Advocating for Change: The Equality Model in Ending the Sex Trade

At the Safe Exit Initiative (SEI), we firmly believe in the transformative power of the Equality Model as the most effective approach to bringing an end to the sex trade. This model, also known as the Nordic Model, offers a comprehensive and human-rights-centered strategy that aligns with our commitment to creating a world free from exploitation. Here's why we stand by the Equality Model:

1. Human Rights-Centered Approach:

The Equality Model places human rights at its core. It recognizes the inherent dignity of every individual involved in the sex trade and acknowledges that no one should be subjected to exploitation or violence. By focusing on the rights and well-being of individuals, this model provides a strong ethical foundation for ending the sex trade.

2. Criminalization of Exploiters, Not the Exploited:

One of the key principles of the Equality Model is the criminalization of those who exploit others, not those who are being exploited. Instead of penalizing individuals in the sex trade, the model targets the demand for commercial sex and holds exploiters (pimps, traffickers) and sex buyers (johns, tricks) accountable. This approach helps break the cycle of victimization and empowers individuals to seek support without fear of legal consequences.

3. Supportive Services and Exit Strategies:

The Equality Model emphasizes the provision of comprehensive support services for individuals in the sex trade. Rather than stigmatizing or marginalizing individuals, the model invests in resources such as housing, counseling, education, and job training to empower individuals to exit the sex trade and build their lives in meaningful and sustainable ways.

4. Addressing Root Causes:

SEI aligns with the Equality Model's commitment to addressing the root causes of the sex trade. By focusing on systemic issues such as inequality, poverty, and gender-based violence, this model aims to create lasting change. Through advocacy and policy initiatives, we work towards dismantling the structural factors that perpetuate exploitation in the sex trade, and the exploitative systems that serve as push and pull factors in to the sex trade.

5. Global Impact:

The Equality Model has been successfully implemented in various countries, including Canada, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and France. These nations have experienced positive outcomes, including a reduction in sex trafficking, increased support for individuals exiting the sex trade, and, most notably, a shift in societal attitudes towards the exploitation of vulnerable populations and the commodification of human beings as completely unacceptable.

Join Our Advocacy

SEI is dedicated to advancing the principles of the Equality Model. We believe that by collectively advocating for this transformative approach, we can contribute to the creation of a world where the sex trade is eradicated, and individuals can live in freedom, safety, and dignity. Join us in our advocacy journey towards a more just and equal society. Together, we can make a difference.

#End_Demand_SEI

#End_Demand_SEI

About Safe Exit Initiative

Our Mission

Our Impact

About Safe Exit Initiative

Our History

The intersection of Prostitution, substance use disorder, and mental health disorders

why partial decriminalization?

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