JohnSchoolPBC
TAPS
Training reducing Abuse, Prostitution & Solicitation. A six hour workshop for buyers only, limited to ten participants.
The six hours
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Sexually transmitted infections
A one hour lecture and slide show with specific detail on sexually transmitted infections, their long term health consequences, and treatment or problems in treatment.
60 minutes · Presented by a nurse practitioner
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Facts vs. Myths of Prostitution
Ten common myths about prostitution and about the people in it, explored by a sex trafficking survivor and a mental health counselor. The survivor shares her own story to give the information weight. The material exists to show buyers the real impact of the choices they make when purchasing sex.
60 minutes · Survivor with an LMHC
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Group session: mental health and socialization
Mental health issues. Sexual addictions, compulsions, triggers, tools for managing sexual impulses, and relapse prevention.
Socialization concerns. Male socialization that promotes objectification, entitlement and the devaluation of women, with the goal of reframing what healthy, respectful manhood looks like and what it is worth personally and socially.
3 hours · Coordinated by an LMHC
Resources for STI testing, and help for pornography and sexual addiction, are provided to participants at the end of the course.
At a glance
- Who: buyers only
- Length: six hour workshop
- Class size: limited to 10
- Cost: tuition, which funds our survivor work
- Languages: English and Spanish
- Outcome: with STI testing and court fees paid, the charge comes off the record
Why buyers pay and sellers do not
Demand is what creates the market. It is reasonable that the demand side carries the cost, and that the money then funds counseling and outreach for the women that market consumes.
It is also the most direct way we know to turn an arrest into something useful.
What has come out of these classes
We have had several buyers who were also social influencers. The class hit them hard enough that they said they would begin advocating against commercial sex.
One came up to Justin, the therapist who runs the buyers' group therapy, in tears, asking how he could protect his 13 year old daughter. Several men have been in tears considering the impact of their actions on the women selling themselves. There is no shame in the room, and none is imposed. What we see instead is contrition over their choices and the damage done.
The buyers' course feedback papers have been highly positive, thankful for the training, with high marks for the various sections.