The STEP Program
Sex Trade Exit Program: STEP strives to help sexually exploited people in Toronto, Canada. The core of our work is to express the gospel in both word and deed and to engage in discipleship with our community. We do our best to address the suffering of those who are currently involved in prostitution and provide opportunities for change for those interested in exiting the sex trade. Project417 partners with TheStep.org for program delivery
Our approach at STEP is to focus on individuals with their own unique needs and stories. Starting from first contact, we customize the support that we offer based on the needs and perspectives of the community member. At STEP we journey with each community member through the entire process of exiting the sex trade, attempting to provide holistic support in both formal and informal ways through the following major components.
OUTREACH
STEP meets new people and develops trusting relationships through street outreach, holding events, accepting referrals, and by networking with the peers of our existing clients.
CRISIS INTERVENTION
Often the bridge between outreach and meaningful long-term ministry with an individual is a time of crisis. The crisis could involve being assaulted, being hospitalized, the loss of a loved one, being arrested, etc. STEP missionaries are on call to respond to these needs and provide support.
CASE MANAGEMENT AND ADVOCACY
Getting out of the sex trade often means addressing issues such as physical and mental health, addictions, housing, employment, and abusive relationships. STEP journeys with our community members through each step of this process.
PARENTING SUPPORT
Many of the people that STEP supports become parents while they are still involved in prostitution. STEP helps to provide for the basic needs of the parents and children, teaches parenting skills, and provides labour coaching.
For more information contact: tara at project417 dot com
DID YOU KNOW?
Most girls who enter prostitution turn their first trick at 13 or 14 years old
10,000 to 30,000 youth are currently estimated to live in poverty in Toronto
Many involved in prostitution develop a dependency on drugs to cope with the suffering that results from being sexually exploited; they do not begin prostituting to support an existing habit
82% of women working in prostitution experience physical violence
71% of women working in the sex trade are raped
75% of people working in the sex trade have attempted suicide at least once
The prostitution you see on the streets is only about 10% of the sex trade, most of it occurs indoors, massage parlors, brothels etc.
Our approach at STEP is to focus on individuals with their own unique needs and stories. Starting from first contact, we customize the support that we offer based on the needs and perspectives of the community member. At STEP we journey with each community member through the entire process of exiting the sex trade, attempting to provide holistic support in both formal and informal ways through the following major components.
OUTREACH
STEP meets new people and develops trusting relationships through street outreach, holding events, accepting referrals, and by networking with the peers of our existing clients.
CRISIS INTERVENTION
Often the bridge between outreach and meaningful long-term ministry with an individual is a time of crisis. The crisis could involve being assaulted, being hospitalized, the loss of a loved one, being arrested, etc. STEP missionaries are on call to respond to these needs and provide support.
CASE MANAGEMENT AND ADVOCACY
Getting out of the sex trade often means addressing issues such as physical and mental health, addictions, housing, employment, and abusive relationships. STEP journeys with our community members through each step of this process.
PARENTING SUPPORT
Many of the people that STEP supports become parents while they are still involved in prostitution. STEP helps to provide for the basic needs of the parents and children, teaches parenting skills, and provides labour coaching.
For more information contact: tara at project417 dot com
DID YOU KNOW?
- Most girls who enter prostitution turn their first trick at 13 or 14 years old
- 10,000 to 30,000 youth are currently estimated to live in poverty in Toronto
- Many involved in prostitution develop a dependency on drugs to cope with the suffering that results from being sexually exploited; they do not begin prostituting to support an existing habit
- 82% of women working in prostitution experience physical violence
- 71% of women working in the sex trade are raped
- 75% of people working in the sex trade have attempted suicide at least once
- The prostitution you see on the streets is only about 10% of the sex trade, most of it occurs indoors, massage parlors, brothels etc.
