What is a John School? (AKA Buyers’ & Sellers’ School)

John School PBC is a diversion program for individuals arrested on misdemeanor charges for either purchasing or selling commercial sex in Palm Beach County. Separate classes for buyers and sellers, are offered to address both demand and supply. There are three sections to both courses:

TRAPS Class for buyers: Training Reducing Abuse, Prostitution and Solicitation

Sessions:

1. Health Consequences – Lecture/slide show. Specific details on the various sexually transmitted infections, long term health consequences and treatment problems. 60 minutes. Presented by nurse practitioner.

2. Facts vs. Myths of Prostitution – Ten common myths about prostitution and prostitutes are debunked. A sex trafficking survivor shares her story to strengthen the information shared and compound impact. The program identifies the linkage between pornography, prostitution, and human trafficking, along with vulnerabilities that usher women into prostitution/sex trafficking. This material is to educate buyers to the impact of the choices they make when purchasing sex. Presented by a survivor alongside LMHC

3. Group Therapy Topics: Orchestrated by LMHC.

Mental Health Issues – Explore issues regarding sexual addictions, compulsions, triggers, tools for managing sexual impulses, and relapse prevention.

Socialization Concerns –Explore male socialization promoting objectification, entitlement and devaluation of women and justification of violence/domination of women and minority groups with the goal of reframing what healthy, respectful manhood looks like and the personal and social benefits. Presented by LMHC or MSW

ReSPECT class for sellers: Reducing Solicitation, Prostitution, Education, Coaching & Training

Sessions:

1. Health Consequences – Lecture/slide show. Specific details on the various sexually transmitted infections, long term health consequences and treatment problems. 60 minutes. Presented by nurse practitioner 

2. The Lies I Believed – Presented by a sex trafficking survivor who got out of the life. She explores the lies that kept her there, how force, fraud and coercion played into her story.  A mental health counselor presents with her, explaining how trauma, family of origin dynamics, previous victimization and disassociation work together to trap someone in the life. 60 minutes. Presented by a Survivor along with LMHC

3. Group Therapy Topics: Orchestrated by LMHC and survivors

Vulnerability Issues – Explores how molestation, incest, rape, shame-based family of origin, low self-worth and addictions as well as the impact of trauma and complex trauma create vulnerabilities.

Self-Worth – Explores powerlessness, helplessness and hopelessness, and impact on personal value, along with the idea of “possibilities” of what life might hold beyond this legal issue. Resources are provided for addressing addictions, counseling, safe house options, shelters, case management, and training/education for developing marketable skills.

The John School has been chalking up some fairly remarkable stats with the individuals we have served in the classes.

On the buyers’ side, we have had several men who were also social influencers. The class impacted them so much that they said they would begin to advocate against commercial sex. One of them came up to Justin – the therapist who runs the buyers’ group therapy sessions – in tears, asking him how he could protect his 13 year old daughter. Several men have been in tears considering the impact of their actions on the women selling themselves. No shame! Just contrition over their choices and the damage done. 

The buyers’ course feedback papers have been highly positive, thankful for the training, with high marks for the various sections. How cool is that!?!

On the sellers’ side, by the afternoon group sessions, they have been undone by the kindness, dignity and affirmation they are given – shocked that there is no shame or condemnation – and earnestly talking about what it would look like to change their lives. Every class has had one woman who wanted out. We have maintained contact with them and those still hesitating to take the risk – but at least they know there is support and resources available to them when they are ready. 

The feed back papers from the sellers’ classes have all been highly positive as well.