I want to stop being a prostitute

Dear Pastor,

I am 21 and I grew up in the country. I have had a challenging life. My mother left me with my grandparents and went to America and never returned. My grandparents took care of me and sent me to school. Everything that I am today is because of them. I owe a lot to them.

My grandmother used to buy and sell and as I child, I used to sit by the roadside with her. My grandfather was a farmer. I did not do well in secondary school. I met girls who encouraged me to come to Kingston and to learn to hustle on the streets. I came to Kingston, but I almost died because I did not understand the tricks of the trade. I found out that the men should pay me for my service before having sex. Some guys did so, but I came across a man who, after having sex with him, told me he wanted a second round and I refused. He insisted and threatened to kill me, so I told him to keep the money. He gave me $2,000 and I said that was not enough. He told me to come into his car and give him some more sex, but I refused because I was afraid.

I also learnt that I should not stay very far from the other girls. One day, a girl took me to see a man in a nice neighbourhood. She told him to take care of me because I was trying to hustle. She said he was the man who put her on her feet. This man has a nice townhouse. He said I could always bring the men to his house and I would have to give him part of the money I make for the night.

The first night I went with three men and I made $10,000. I told him and he said that was not much money. I told my girlfriend and she said I should charge the guys more because I should have made at least $20,000. She said I should give the owner $7,000, because he has a helper and she would have to wash the linens. I told the man the truth and he said that I should only give him $4,000, because it was my first time there. He was not interested in having sex with me. It seems as if he was having sex with his day's worker. I could see signs of that.

The reason why I am writing to you is that the neighbours have come to realise that I am a prostitute, and are telling the man that he should get rid of me because I am bringing down the neighbourhood. The lady that he has working with him has told them a lot of bad things about me. I told this man that I like him and I would stop going with the other guys. If he and I can be friends, he would just take care of me and fire his helper. He said he can't do that. This man does not allow me to go upstairs. I have to occupy the room that is downstairs because it has its own bathroom. He knows my situation and he is not pressuring me for money.

I have one little boy who is living with my grandmother. She does not even know the type of work that I am doing to survive and to support my son, whose father doesn't give me much.

L.S.,

Dear L.S.,

Some people reading your letter would condemn you, but I am not here to condemn anyone.

I could say that I am glad that you have not got hurt by any of these men you may consider to be your clients, and I hope that you would not continue this type of lifestyle for any long period.

You do not have any skills, so I would like to encourage you to consider attending HEART/NSTA Trust to learn a skill and be in a position to help yourself financially, so that you would not feel obliged to sell your body.

My understanding is that prostitution is rough on the streets, and some men are not willing to pay for the services rendered to them. This man who has allowed you to use his house will not always be willing to have you do so, so be prepare to leave. His helper is not a fool. She is watching you, and if this man and her have a thing going on, she is going to fight to keep him. So get out of that place as soon as you can. I wish you well.

Pastor