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Learning Objective:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to: understand and identify the complex factors that impede viral hepatitis prevention for women in prostitution; understand the program elements that successfully promote hepatitis prevention in this population; recognize replication of comprehensive treatment models in communities nationwide will significantly reduce the spread of viral hepatitis.
Background:
Genesis House has provided street, court, and jail outreach services to women in prostitution since 1983. The overwhelming majority of our clients suffer from homelessness, sexual abuse, domestic violence and mental illness, which leads to high risk behavior for the contraction and spread of hepatitis and other STDs, including addiction to alcohol and/or drugs and unprotected sex with multiple partners.
Setting:
Chicago, IL
Population e.g. API Youth, MSM, IDU:
Women who work the streets offering sex in exchange for food, shelter, drugs, or money
Project Description:
Genesis House engages in aggressive, multi-pronged outreach efforts designed to meet the complex combination of challenges that our clients face. Specific activities include condom distribution and harm reduction information. A Mobile Outreach Vehicle travels along routes of heavy prostitution at night, serving as a safe haven where hepatitis, HIV and other STD testing, counseling, and referrals can be obtained. In addition, Genesis House also operates crisis centers on the West and South Sides of Chicago, a court outreach and advocacy program, and a residential rehabilitation program.
Results/Lessons Learned:
Our holistic, integrated approach to treatment combined with aggressive outreach leads to increased awareness and healthiness among our clientele, while simultaneously providing the means for women to permanently alter their lifestyle. The positive consequences of our comprehensive program are dramatic and lasting. A non-judgmental, peer based approach to services for women in prostitution is the most effective way to educate them about the risks of hepatitis. If replicated, the spread of hepatitis and other STDs through this population can be severely reduced.
See more of Poster Session #2
See more of The 2005 National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference