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P051. From Sexual Abuse to Prostitution: The Evolution of Childhood Trauma and Its Impact on Adulthood

Thu, September 4, 6:45 to 8:00pm, Other Venues, Poster Venue

Abstract

The author will present the relationship between the experience of sexual violence in childhood and an individual’s later decisions, particularly in the context of sex work. The aim is to show how traumatic experiences from early life can lead to the formation of defense mechanisms that shape adult choices, including the decision to enter prostitution.
The presentation will focus on the psychological and sociological aspects of this phenomenon, exploring how the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse impact self-esteem, trust in others, and self-perception in the context of intimacy and interpersonal relationships. The author will review research showing how such experiences can lead to choices that are not always consciously made by adults, but are the result of deeply ingrained survival mechanisms, with sex work becoming one possible way of coping with trauma.
Understanding this process is crucial to better recognizing the motivations of those involved in prostitution and to appreciating their complex life histories, including the impact of childhood experiences that largely shape their adult choices. An important element of the presentation will be to emphasize that not all sex workers engage in this work voluntarily. Many find themselves in this situation due to long-term trauma, which influences their sense of having no alternatives and shapes the way they perceive their role in society.
Through this analysis, conference participants will have the opportunity to understand the deeper psychological and social mechanisms that affect the lives of sex workers and recognize the need for a more empathetic approach to addressing prostitution and providing support to those experiencing violence.

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