AMANDA

AMANDA'S STORY

Amanda contacted an Encompass network service directly. She was 29 at the time.
Amanda has struggled with her mental health from her teens, with anxiety and depression.
Amanda enrolled in University where things went well for her first 2 years but her mental health deteriorated and with a lack of family support, she did not complete her studies.

She worked in a variety of temporary jobs but when these ended and she was unable to pay bills so used overdrafts and payday loans to keep afloat.

She started selling sex. She initially started via an escort agency but then worked as an independent escort. She was able to pay her bills and expenses and have new things in her life.

She managed her own bookings and saw about 10 punters a week.

Amanda was assaulted and held for 3 days against her will in her own home by a man, a regular, who she thought she knew well and subsequently trusted.

Amanda's health deteriorated after the assault by her punter and she felt she could no longer continue in prostitution. She felt very isolated and unsure of who or where to turn to.

Amanda made contact with the Encompass Service a number of times in distress however would not give a name or allow admin staff to put her through to someone from the team. Eventually she agreed to speak to a member of the team and had a face to face meeting.

Amanda had a range of needs with the priorities being financial instability, housing issues and mental health issues.

Her project worker was able to link her in with relevant support and provided advocacy to engage.

Amanda has settled well into her new home and has exited prostitution.

She continues to work with the Encompass service as she addresses the issues surrounding past trauma and she remains involved with mental health services.