Scharlaken Koord, in association with Randstad HR Solutions, has developed a unique program for women who want to stop working in prostitution. The program is called ‘Een Nieuw Perspectief!’ (A New Perspective!) and assists women who want to leave prostitution or are considering it. Scharlaken Koord offers the women who participate in Een Nieuw Perspectief! practical assistance, like help with debt repayment or finding a less expensive house.

Scharlaken Koord also offers psychosocial help through individual talks and group meetings where women attend a defensibility training. Randstad HRS ensures internships and assists the women in finding the women an education or a job. In Amsterdam a pilot has been functioning since 1 February 2009. Since 1 October 2009 social workers of Scharlaken Koord have also been working in Deventer.

“I couldn’t bear it anymore. I wasn’t doing well. I only weighed 49 kilos and I just snapped. That’s when I called Marit at Scharlaken Koord. I thought: perhaps I can talk with them and find out what they have to offer. After a number of talks my faith in them grew and I decided to get out.” (Monique)