Complex Post Traumatic Disorder and Healing for Sex Workers

Finally, the study of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, defined as trauma that is repeated over a period of time, is including sex workers. This recent post by the the US Department of Veterans Affairs includes "prostitution brothels" in its list of traumatic situations.

I'm a child of the Vietnam era and I've long watched my Vietnam Veteran brothers in recovery struggle with their recovery from PTSD. I've also maintained, and hoped I haven't offended them, that working in the sex industry in any country can be as traumatic as battle. The enemy is different but the results are profoundly similar: A lifetime of fear, distrust and misplaced anger.

I've also been thinking in the past few years as so many veterans return from the Gulf Wars, especially female veterans, that recovering sex workers and veterans have much in common in their healing from PTSD. These are simply my thoughts this beautiful morning.

We are cancelling our monthly meetings to go to an on-line format since most of our calls come from outside the Phoenix area. Stay tuned for more updates.

Meeting of ex-sex workers Thursday night

If you have exited or are trying to exit the sex industry, join us Thursday, February 7 at 7:30 p.m. at 6060 N. 7th Avenue in the Activities Center at Bethany Bible Church. We'll be meeting with families and those seeking exit from the sex industry. Our support group is not affiliated with the church.

Together AZ Recovery Magazine Publishes My Article, Leaving the Life

Together AZ published my article in its January edition. The article, called "Leaving the Life," details the process universal to many sex workers who try to exit the industry. Exit is not always a linear event and in fact, looks much like the models shown above.

I would be happy to speak to your organization about this important topic. Offering support in a calm, non-judgmental and unemotional manner can help sex workers in their attempts to exit the industry.

Feel free to contact me at becauseshematters at gmail.com.

Because She Matters Gets a Mention on The Daily Beast

If you're not familiar with Melissa Petro, hop on over to this link to view her take on her outing and subsequent forced leave of her teaching job because of her past as a sex worker.

Melissa eloquently describes the difficulty of leaving the sex industry. It is a shame when our schools struggle to find teachers who are appropriate role models that Melissa was forced to resign. She is a wonderful writer and activist and I believe God will ultimately guide her to maximum usefulness.

She mentions Because She Matters in her recent post.

Next support group for ex-sex workers and their families meets January 3, 2013

Meet us as we welcome in the New Year this Thursday, January 3, at 7:30 p.m., at 6060 N. 7th Avenue in the Activites Center on the SW corner of the Bethany Bible Church campus.

Exiting may mean a sharp left turn.

Even if you are still in the sex industry but considering exiting, this meeting is for you.

Next support group for ex-sex workers and their families meets December 6

Because She Matters meets again December 6, 2012, at 6060 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix, AZ, at 7:30 p.m. in the Activities Center on the southwest corner of Bethany Bible Church campus. This month we'll be talking about what it takes to help exit the sex industry.

This Month's Meeting for Recovering Sex Workers and their FamiliesCancelled

Due to an impending death in my family, we are canceling this month's Because She Matters meeting ordinarily held on the first Thursday of each month. We will meet again in December. We are sorry for any inconvenience.