The stages of the cycle of engagement in prostitution indicate different experiences depending on the stage at which the person is situated. Therefore, it is important to situate the person properly in his or her progress in order to provide the most appropriate interventions.

The five other intervention strategies below (numbers four to eight) represent more favourable and specific interventions according to the level of involvement. Therefore, we encourage you to examine them.

• Strengthen the bonds of trust with significant adults.
• Recognize strengths and skills.
• During discussions, bring up the inconsistencies between life plans and the current situation.
• Avoid judgment, confrontation and a moralizing discourse.
• During discussions, bring up the clash between the uneasiness experienced and the attraction for the lifestyle or love for the boyfriend.

• Maximize your efforts to create or maintain a positive relationship of trust, without judgment or confrontation.
• Inquire about the person’s experiences and not his or her friends or acquaintances.
• When possible, bring up the discrepancies between the person’s values and behaviour.

• Strengthen the person’s power to change his or her situation.
• Address the topic of change Bring out the «change talk» in order to mobilize the person toward the change desired.
• Strengthen the desire for change by highlighting a positive situation before the crisis situation or by projecting the young person into a situation considered positive.

• Weigh the pros and cons of the current situation against the desired change.
• Emphasize the person’s power to change.
• Avoid giving solutions, prescriptions or recommendations.
• Recognize the positive aspects of the person’s experience.
• Raise the person’s awareness by providing information on the real versus perceived risks of leaving his or her lifestyle behind.
• Find alternatives to meet the needs of these people differently.

• Provide support and guidance.
• Engage significant people in the process.
• Reinforce positive choices.
• Stimulate the motivation for change, especially that coming directly from the person.
• Prepare for possible relapses by developing strategies that can be put in place to avoid risky situations.