Challenges Faced by Women Working in the Inner City Sex Trade‪.‬

Abstract Women working in the sex trade in Winnipeg's inner city often share histories of abuse, violence, residential instability, racism, and discrimination. These experiences, combined with a lack of formal educational or job experience, contribute to economic insecurity. Most became involved in the sex trade as a means of survival. Once involved, they face daily challenges to meeting basic physical needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter, as well as social needs, such as safety and connection to others. Those who work toward leaving the street face additional barriers in their own personal lives, their families, and in the greater community. We interviewed women in the inner city who were actively involved in the sex trade as well as women who had left the sex trade, to understand their past experiences, current realities, and how they saw their futures. Together, multiple challenges exist for sex trade workers in disadvantaged urban neighbourhoods that serve as barriers to exiting the sex trade, and contribute to their challenges in inner city communities, such as poor housing and social exclusion.