CSE Aware - Women Who Sell Sex and Substance Use: Opportunities and Gaps in Understanding and Response

A free event highlighting the links between women’s involvement in the ‘sex industry’, substance use and recovery, and exploring how we can improve our collective responses when walking alongside women.

For many women who sell or exchange sex, substance use is a key issue. In Scotland, 2024 Snapshot by Encompass – a network of services supporting women affected by commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) – showed that, out of 78 women supported, 64 (82%) were using substances.

The relationship between substance use and women’s involvement in selling or exchanging sex is complex and can shape women’s experiences at multiple points, including entry into the sex trade, ongoing involvement, and efforts to exit.

For some women, their own or their partner’s substance use can be a pathway into selling or exchanging sex. During involvement in the ‘sex industry’, substances may be used to increase self-confidence, create a sense of control, or cope with feelings of guilt, trauma, or distress. Women who seek to reduce or stop substance use or exit the sex trade often face a double stigma, as well as additional barriers when accessing support.

This event seeks to explore the prevalent – yet often hidden – issue of women’s substance use and involvement in selling or exchanging sex. It will consider what is known about the intersecting dynamics, including less recognised aspects of women’s experiences, while encouraging proactive, non-judgemental, and courageous responses from services and practitioners.

Agenda

The event will feature a combination of speaker presentations and opportunities for attendees to engage through questions and reflective exercises. It will address the following questions:

• What are the links between commercial sexual exploitation, substance use, and recovery?
• How do our collective responses support women, and where do gaps and opportunities lie?

Who can attend?

This event is open to frontline workers and support service providers. It will be particularly relevant for those working in the fields of violence against women, substance use, sexual health and relationships, housing, mental health, criminal justice, public health, adult support and protection, and social work.

Please note that this event is funded through Delivering Equally Safe and aligns with the Scottish Government’s approach to addressing commercial sexual exploitation as a form of gender-based violence. The event will address women’s experiences from this perspective.

Accessing the event

This webinar will take place on Teams. If we can do anything to make it easier for you to join, please let us know.

If you cannot access Teams or attend the event, we can share the recording. Please email your request to enquiries@womenssupportproject.org.uk. 

Women Who Sell Sex and Substance Use: Opportunities and Gaps in Understanding and Response