Project Respect supports women wishing to leave the sex industry through education and employment pathways. Our staff provide useful and relevant information plus ongoing support for women who are studying which can include proof-reading assignments and providing access to computers

In 2008, Project Respect ran the Pathways course and is seeking long-term funding to make this a core program. Pathways is a unique exit program for women addressing the need for skills training and support and recognising women in the sex industry face considerable disadvantage and exploitation.

The aim of Pathways is to create a group of women who are work/education ready and have the skills and support to feel successful in their lives.

An evaluation of Project Respect's Pathways program can be viewed here. 

Debi’s story

“The Pathways program was great; at last I was able to talk with women who had similar experiences. No taboos. I was able to work through the past and look towards the future. We have a lot of guest speakers from different areas e.g. Psychology, counseling, Legal services. The knowledge of these people, as well as that of the facilitators who have lived the experience of the sex industry, and of the other women in the group has been helpful to me in many areas of my life. Project Respect has improved the quality of my life and I will now move on to their advocacy training. I hope to raise the status of prostitution in society, assist women to get out, support them if they can’t, and generally acknowledge the self worth of each and every one of us.”

Sustainable employment

Project Respect has opened a social enterprise business in Melbourne to serve and assist women who have been victims of trafficking into Australia with the aim of offering long-term sustainable employment for former trafficked women.The idea came from one of the women we work with who has been trafficked to Australia and whom has been heavily involved in developing the business.

The business provides training and employment for women who have been trafficked and will assist them in developing business and hospitality management skills.

Please visit our Corporate Responsibility page for further information on how you, or your organisation can support women exiting the sex industry.