Safer Wales – StreetLife Project
Supporting Women Experiencing or at Risk of Sexual Exploitation
The StreetLife Project supports women who are at risk of, or who are currently experiencing, sexual exploitation. Many of the women we work with have faced significant trauma and complex challenges throughout their lives. Our aim is to provide safety, dignity, and non‑judgemental support tailored to each woman’s needs.
What Is Sexual Exploitation?
Sexual exploitation happens when someone is coerced, forced, or manipulated into engaging in sexual activity. Adults, like children, can be exploited, and it can occur in many different ways.
Sexual exploitation may include:
Pressure or manipulation by a partner, friend, or family member
Exchanging sex to meet basic needs such as food, money, or a place to stay
“Sex for rent” arrangements offered by landlords
Being forced or coerced into the sex industry
Being made to engage in unwanted sexual activities with others
Being trafficked for sexual purposes
Grooming, which may occur before the exploitation begins
Our Approach
Many women we support have lived through trauma such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, poor mental health, and substance use challenges. Many have been stigmatised and marginalised by society.
StreetLife provides trauma‑informed, person‑centred support, ensuring every woman is treated with dignity and respect. We recognise each woman as an individual and tailor our support to her needs and choices. Women are actively involved in their support plans and help shape our services and policies.
We respect women’s autonomy, and our support is not conditional on exiting sex work.
What We Do
We offer both emotional and practical support, and work closely with specialist agencies including:
Health services
Housing providers
Police
CAVDAS
Counselling and therapeutic services
Other voluntary and statutory organisations
Additional support includes:
Women’s groups in hostels
Support for women working in parlours
Coordinated partnership work to provide holistic, wrap‑around support
Women’s Centre – 1st Floor, Castle House, 1-7 Castle Street, Cardiff. CF10 1BS
Women aged 18 and over can access our welcoming Women’s Centre at Castle House.
Here, women can access:
Hot food and drinks
Clothing and toiletries
Laundry facilities
Group sessions and activities
One‑to‑one emotional support
Housing advice from Cardiff Council
Weekly GP appointments through CAVHIS
The Centre is a safe, supportive place where women can rest, connect, and feel heard.
How to Refer
We accept referrals for women aged 18+ who:
Are current or recent sex workers
May be at risk of sexual exploitation
Referrals can be made by:
The women themselves
Professionals
Support organisations
Support is available regardless of whether someone wants to make changes.
📞 Call: 02920 220033
📧 Email: streetlife@saferwales.com
Evening Outreach Service
StreetLife provides evening outreach 2–3 nights per week, offering support to women who are street sex working.
We provide:
Condoms and personal safety items
Safety advice
Hot drinks and snacks
Practical and emotional support
Information and encouragement to access our Women’s Centre
Follow‑up meetings for further support
This service relies on the dedication of our volunteers.
Volunteer With Us
We welcome applications throughout the year — especially from drivers.
📞 Call: 02920 220033
📧 Email: volunteering@saferwales.com
Voices from Women
“Thank you for everything you do. I find it hard to trust people, but I know this is a safe space and you don’t judge me.”
“This is my safe space. It’s somewhere I can feel like me again.”
“When I see your van coming, I feel safe.”
“I finally feel listened to and understood.”
“This is the first time I have felt safe being honest.”
“I finally feel safe to ask for help.”
“I love that you listen and don’t tell me what to do.
“I have never felt patronised or treated like a kid.”