Biography
Jeanne L. Allert, Ph.D., is the founder and executive director of the Institute for Survivor Care, USA, and served as senior researcher on this project. She is a frequent speaker at national conferences and podcasts on the topic of sex trafficking in America and effective recovery strategies. Prior to leading the Institute, Dr. Allert operated a long-term restorative care program for minor and adult female survivors for thirteen years.
Sherri L. Wyatt, Ph.D., is the founder and owner of Life Revival Coaching, a practice dedicated to helping individuals recover from addiction through evidence-based coaching. She is also an adjunct professor at Regent University, USA, a dissertation chair, and the Program Director of Psychology for a private nursing institute. As a quantitative data analyst, research writer, and editor, she specializes in designing and executing rigorous statistical analyses, synthesizing empirical findings, and ensuring clarity and precision in scholarly writing for academic and professional audiences.
Abstract
This study presents one of the largest qualitative samples of exited female survivors of commercial sexual exploitation in the United States to date. One hundred and eighty-nine female survivors participated in a national survey. The participants described their motivations for exiting commercial sexual exploitation, the pathways they followed, the forces that hindered their exit and increased their recidivism, and the assistance they received that ensured a permanent exit. Some of the findings challenge popular narratives on recidivism rates and what keeps women in exploitation, revealing complex relational, behavioral, economic, and systemic influences. Participants spoke about the unanticipated value of incarceration, their need for improved communications about services and immediate supports, the role of spiritual forces, and their positive regard for the practice of “rescue.” Findings offer actionable guidance on how to invite and encourage victims to pursue and achieve permanent exit from commercial sexual exploitation.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Allert, Jeanne L. and Wyatt, Sherri L. (2025) "Exiting Commercial Sexual Exploitation," Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence: Vol. 10: Iss. 4, Article 6. https://doi.org/10.23860/dignity.2025.10.04.06
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