Janette Interviewed by Sandie Keetch

Love Rescued Vice-Girl

Physical and mental abuse had taken its toll when a Norwich prostitute was found by a group of Christian women.  As part of the Magdalene Group, they extend a helping hand to those forced to make a living on the streets of the red light district.

Depressed and fearful, Janette’s hair was falling out. Street life had robbed her of confidence and purpose    until she learnt to live again after finding love and acceptance through the City’s King Street charity. 

With a developing Christian faith, the 46 year-old grandmother says: “I was pulled from the depths and now I am right on top of the mountain with the Lord. I cannot thank the people here enough. They gave me warmth, kindness, hugs and compassion and they helped to put me back on the right path.” 

“Prostitutes are often though of as scum. I used to think I would be working the streets until I was 65 years old. I never believed I would have a purpose but I have now,” says Janette who is part of the charity’s ‘voice’ for the working girls. 

As a poor widow with three young children, Janette was hoodwinked into prostitution when she met a pimp who was released from jail. He posed as a well-meaning boyfriend but when funds were needed to feed his alcoholism , Janette was sent onto the streets from 6pm until after midnight.

“I would do anything to please him but I was deceived.

“I was physically and mentally tortured. Eventually I worked from home on the telephone instead of the streets after two friends were attacked,” explains Janette who aims to highlight the perils of prostitution so youngsters are protected. 

She told her story to a packed audience at the Magdalene Group’s annual meeting.

“It was the first time I had spoken publicly and there was emotion and tears from the listeners but people need to know and hear about prostitution; it must be dealt with because there is a better life out there,” she explains. 

Janette who once belonged to a church choir, believes her sheltered teenage lie led to her downfall. “I was green by nature,” she recalls.

She married her sweetheart before her twentieth birthday but he died six years later from a rare and crippling bone disease. “I knew he was ill when I married him but I loved him and wanted to give him children,” says Janette who nursed her husband on his death bed. 

With her past firmly behind her, Janette is embracing a new future and says: “Things are looking up for me at last. Jesus has put his arms around me and is taking care of me each day,” adds the former prostitute who is studying for a computer qualification at the charity’s vocational training room.