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Converging on Empathy: Perspectives on Baltimore City's Specialized Prostitution Diversion Program

NCJ Number
239498
Journal
Women and Criminal Justice Volume: 22 Issue: 2 Dated: April - June 2012 Pages: 156-173
Author(s)
Corey S. Shdaimah; Shelly A. Wiechelt
Date Published
April 2012
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This article examines Baltimore City's Specialized Prostitution Diversion program.
Abstract
This article explores perceptions of 17 women currently or formerly engaged in prostitution regarding Baltimore City's Specialized Prostitution Diversion program. Findings indicate that most perceive the program positively because they are in desperate need of services and because they hope it augurs the readiness of the criminal justice system to understand what leads them to engage in prostitution. Their desire to be treated like "human beings" in need of assistance, which undergirds requests for concrete services, reveals gendered understandings of responsibility and dependence that are compatible with problem-solving models of justice. It is therefore likely to resonate with criminal justice stakeholders. Published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.