If you saw a vulnerable young woman on the streets, who is definitely being exploited. What would be your first step to help?

I am going to assume you would call the police or an ambulance.

So what do you do after they refuse that?

You know they are going to use more fentanyl and be abused and rped.

What do you do?

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InterdimensionalSideEye

I’d ask if she has family and perhaps contact them.

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caccoon · 36-40

@InterdimensionalSideEye it's not uncommon. And yes, it is is very sad. So what would you do?

InterdimensionalSideEye

@caccoon take her to a shelter?

caccoon · 36-40

@InterdimensionalSideEye how? Is there one near you? Do you have her permission?

soulrespite ·

Hijaba gave the advice I would suggest. A women’s shelter is equipped with everything they would need to help her.

caccoon · 36-40

@soulrespite I am going to try to earn her trust to get to this step 💙

itsok · 31-35, F

I do not know.

A few years ago I drove past what I thought was a naked preteen girl walking down the side of the road.
I stopped and talked to her. She was wasn’t coherent and couldn’t really answer questions. Talking about plastic and school buses.
She said she wanted to go back to the state psychiatric hospital. I called the police and told them.
I found out the next day she wasn’t a preteen. She was 19 and booked into jail that night.
It felt horrible. But I guess it’s safer than being naked and alone outside.
I still think about her.

I wish there were better resources. I wish I could safely take care of everyone.

HijabaDabbaDoo · F

I'd call a shelter, particularly a womens shelter but thing is she'd have to agree to that much like the police and ambulance so calling one for her could fall flat. Establishing trust might take some time, unfortunately

caccoon · 36-40

@HijabaDabbaDoo I'm into it. I told her I am going to say hi to her when I see her around. She's receptive and sweet. Obviously very untrusting but yeah.

I will just talk to her when I see her around

When she agrees to a women's shelter call I will do that. 💙 This is good advice.

HijabaDabbaDoo · F

@caccoon I used to work for a charity that helped women with sexual assault and they had ISVA/IDVA (independent sexual/domestic violence advisor) that help these women with issues from housing, court proceedings, education, social care and they don't need to report it to the police to receive this service.

It would compliment the therapy they received there if they wanted or needed it. Not sure if there's anything like that there but it could be worth looking into. Shelters are a great start but having practical advice for long-term plans is a good way to follow up when she's ready. Charities go a long way.

Anyway, I imagine this would take some time. Understandably. You're an absolute sweetheart for looking out for her and I'm sure it means a ton to her to even be noticed💙

caccoon · 36-40

@HijabaDabbaDoo thank you for this. To know it exists there makes me hope we have some similar services here! 💙💙💙

UGH she is so sweet it kills me

MrBlueGuy

Yeah that's a tough one. If someone refuses help there isn't a whole lot you can do. Maybe help them in any little way you can? Get them a meal...show kindness, listen to them..and maybe eventually they'll trust you enough to let you help them more 🥺

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