In June 2023, the Rahab team had more than 100 meaningful conversations with women on the streets of Reading.
A meaningful conversation is when we chat with a sex-worker, and provide her with supplies such as a drink, chocolate, condoms and toiletries.
Over the month, we can have meaningful conversations with the same women but, without a doubt, more women are turning to sex-work.
We are often asked why women turn to sex work. When archiving Rahab materials last year, we came upon a set of poems written by one of the women ‘S’ which illustrates a story we hear all the time.
Asking Why?
I know one thing is sure, that ain’t no doubt
I think things in my head that make me shout.
Let me explain to you how I am feeling
The reasons why I started drugs and stealing
It all started when I was very young
My step-dad did horrible things to me and my Mum.
He was a man who loved to drink
I suppose that’s why he did not think.
He was so mean, it’s hard to explain
All I remember is the pain and shame.
I wake up every morning and wish I was free
But all I can remember is what happened to me
I want these bad thoughts to just get out
Cos all it does is make me angry and shout.
I always ask myself that simple word ‘why’?
Sometimes I wish I could curl up and die.
Then I stop and say ‘Why do I think this way?’
Cos I’m still letting him get to me every day.
There were the ones who were wrong
So, I have to keep going and be strong.
One day I will overcome all the bad damage they have done.
‘S’
I have never met a person who has chosen this way of life. When one woman was asked when she began sex working, she simply replied ‘When I became addicted to heroin’.
Psalm 147:3 – ‘He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.’
Please hold these women in your prayers.
Christine Munday (Project Director – Rahab) writing on behalf of Churches Together in Reading
