The Road to Recovery: A Call for Psychosocial Rehabilitation of Children of Commercial Sex Workers

Abstract

Children of sex workers represent one of the most marginalized and vulnerable populations, frequently exposed to stigma, discrimination, poverty, violence, neglect, disrupted education, and an increased risk of exploitation. These adversities negatively affect their physical, psychological, social, and educational development, placing them at heightened risk for anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, behavioural problems, and poor life outcomes. Psychosocial rehabilitation offers a holistic, rights-based approach to addressing these multidimensional challenges by promoting emotional well-being, resilience, social inclusion, and functional recovery. This paper highlights the psychosocial needs of children of sex workers and discusses key rehabilitation strategies, including trauma-informed counselling, educational support, life-skills training, family and community interventions, vocational guidance, and access to healthcare and child protection services. Community-based rehabilitation, multisectoral collaboration, and stigma-reduction initiatives are essential for creating safe and supportive environments that foster healthy development and social participation. Integrated interventions involving health, education, social welfare, and legal systems can interrupt the cycle of intergenerational poverty and exploitation while empowering children to achieve their full potential. Strengthening psychosocial rehabilitation services is therefore critical to ensuring the protection, inclusion, and long-term well-being of this highly vulnerable population.