A Literature Review Exploring Resilience and Resiliency Interventions for Female Sex Workers

This study is an investigation of the literature relating to the resilience factors of female sex workers (FSWs), both women and children, and the resiliency interventions used in practice when working with the population. The intent is to discover factors that contribute to sex workers resiliency and resiliency interventions that lead to significant positive outcomes in their lives. The research question for this literature review is: What are the resiliency factors that female sex workers have, which assist them in exiting sex work, and what resiliency interventions are used to help strengthen these factors? Results show that there are significant factors such as interpersonal relationships, spirituality, and development of self that contribute to resiliency in FSWs. When considering interventions that work best with this population, using a resilience-based lens is critical because it avoids stigmatizing and traumatizing the population further. These interventions include psychoeducational and trauma focused groups, art therapy, and a program known as Critical Time Intervention (CTI). A resilience lens is used throughout this review to approach the needs of FSWs and to increase awareness of the holistic services that they need access to. This research is identified to inform both policy and practice, that affect FSWs, and to assist social work practitioners in building effective and empowering programs that provide a safe space to heal.