Safe Exit Initiative- SEI

“Audra Doody, [a survivor and Co-CEO & Chief Programs Officer at] the Safe Exit Initiative organization in Worcester, praised local and federal authorities in pursuing the case and filing charges against the men. Doody said the fees are unusually high for these type of charges and she said that “john school” can lead some men to not reoffend.

She’s often a speaker at the program; she’s seen some of the men from this brothel case there. She talks about what it’s like for women in the life — the feelings of powerlessness and belittlement. S*x buyers often try to rationalize what they’re doing, thinking that the women want to be there, and that the men are actually helping them by paying for their services. Doody said she makes it clear that in her experience, that is almost never the case; women are often hiding track marks from drug abuse and addiction, or bruises from physical abuse.

‘It kind of wrecks their fantasy,’ she said. ‘I can tell I get through to some, not others.’

The fact that none of the men faced jail time is expected under the state’s current laws. Paying for s*x is a misdemeanor, and the men charged in this case didn’t have prior criminal records, so an agreement in this manner — a dismissal with conditions — is normal, legal observers said.

The law should be changed to yield more serious punishments, Doody said. ‘Soliciting s*x should be a felony.’”

Click below to read the full article and learn more.

They were charged with paying for s*x in the Cambridge brothel ring, and paid a unique price - The Boston Globe The shame that the brothel clients endured could have been the worst punishment from their criminal charges.

Through the Frame: An Evening of Art, Film, and Impact is coming to Baltimore on November 12th.

At the center of the evening will be a special screening of The Right Track, an award-winning documentary that brings together true survivor journeys to reveal the realities of the s*x trade and the strength of those who have lived through it.

The film will be followed by a panel discussion with survivor-leaders who participated in the documentary.

Join Safe Exit Initiative at Motor House as we elevate survivor voices, deepen understanding, and bring our community together around meaningful change.

Thursday, November 12
5:00–9:00 PM
📍 Motor House (Baltimore, MD)

🎟️ Learn more and get your tickets at safeexitinitiative.org/through-the-frame
**Space is intentionally limited for this exclusive event**

ABOUT THE FILM
The Right Track is a gripping documentary that shines light on the relentless fight to end s*x trafficking and s*xual exploitation across North America. At its core is the movement to bring awareness to and drive legislative support for the Survivor Model at the state and federal level— a transformative approach that decriminalizes prostituted individuals while maintaining strict penalties for pimps, traffickers, and s*x buyers who drive the commercial s*x industry. Through powerful narratives from survivors, advocates, policymakers, and law enforcement, the film delves into the heart of the crisis, revealing the courage that survivors require to escape “the life” and rebuild, either off the track or out of the brothel system. It explores what’s needed to bring traffickers and buyers to justice and how trafficking thrives not just in far flung places, but right in our own neighborhoods. The Right Track is both a call to action and a testament to the resilience of survivors fighting for change.

We’re honored to share that Safe Exit Initiative has been nominated for the Community Hero Award as part of the 10th Annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards!

Hosted in Palm Beach County, the Hats Off Nonprofit Awards celebrate nonprofit organizations, leaders, and volunteers making a meaningful difference in the community.

As SEI continues to grow our presence and build new partnerships in Palm Beach County, we’re grateful to be recognized alongside organizations and leaders dedicated to creating positive change.

Thank you to Nonprofits First and the Hats Off Nonprofit Awards for this recognition. We look forward to celebrating with Palm Beach County’s nonprofit community!

🗓 Event Details
Date: Thursday, October 15th
Time: 5:30–8:00 PM
Location: Kravis Center – Cohen Pavilion
701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach

🎟 For tickets to the event please visit www.hatsoffawards.org

This November, join Safe Exit Initiative in Baltimore for Through the Frame, an intimate evening of film, conversation, and connection to raise funds for survivor programming.

Enjoy a cocktail reception followed by a special screening of The Right Track, an award-winning documentary exposing the realities of the s*x trade by the people who have lived it.

The film will be followed by a panel discussion with survivor-leaders who participated in the documentary.

**Space is intentionally limited for this exclusive event**

🎟️ Reserve your tickets now to join us for this powerful evening at safeexitinitiative.org/through-the-frame

📅 Thursday, November 12
🕓 5:00–9:00 PM
📍 Motor House (Baltimore, MD)

This event is made possible by the generosity of our incredible sponsors: The Jensen Project, Union Craft Brewing, Union Hill Kitchen and Craft Bar, Duke's Catering, Peabody Heights Brewery, and The Vineyards at Dodon

Last week, the SEI team presented at the International Association of Human Trafficking Investigators (IAHTI) 2026 Conference in St. Pete, Florida.

Our presentation, “Building Trust, Connection, and Pathways to Support Through Street Outreach,” highlighted SEI’s approach to meeting individuals where they physically are out in the community and building meaningful connections to support and services.

Thank you to Tom Stack and the Baltimore Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement-MONSE for the invitation to present and for your continued partnership and support of our work in Baltimore. We’re grateful for the opportunity to share our experience and learn alongside others committed to addressing human trafficking and supporting survivors.

Last night, we were proud to celebrate Audra Doody, Co-CEO & Chief Programs Officer of Safe Exit Initiative, as she was honored at the Women of Worth Awards in West Palm Beach, FL!

Audra’s commitment to survivors and our community has been at the heart of her work for years. A recognized expert in the field, she works alongside law enforcement, community partners, the court system, and other stakeholders to ensure survivors have access to choices, safety, and meaningful support.

Whether facilitating support groups, providing education to incarcerated survivors, supporting exit planning and case management, or serving as a member of the Governor’s Human Trafficking Task Force, Audra approaches this work with compassion, respect, and an unwavering belief in meeting people where they are.

We are incredibly proud to see Audra’s leadership and dedication recognized among this year’s Women of Worth honorees. Thank you to Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce for hosting a wonderful event and to Mac Ross, Esq. of Ross Felty - A Real Estate Law Firm for joining us and your continued support of SEI.

And please join us in congratulating Audra on this well-deserved honor!

Thank you to the Worcester County Sheriff's Office for their donation of fresh produce to Harbor Worcester! Our staff is excited to put these fresh veggies to good use, including them in community meals to be enjoyed by participants.

🌟 Tomorrow in Florida! 🌟 SEI's Co-CEO & COO, Courtney Ross Escobar, will be speaking to the South Florida Women of Influence Circle.

***This event is invitation only***

Please reach out to [email protected] if you’re in the area and interested in attending.

Check it out! Co-CEO & Chief Operations Officer at SEI, Courtney Ross Escobar, will be speaking to the South Florida Women of Influence Circle on August 25th.

The South Florida Women of Influence Circle (SFWIC) is an exclusive, invitation-only group for women leaders dedicated to making significant contributions. Founded by Julie Khanna and Marcelle Burke, SFWIC members excel in corporate boardrooms, entrepreneurship, and the community.

Courtney will speak at 5:30 p.m. at Khanna House Studios in Wellington, Florida.

🌟 This event is invitation only, so please reach out to [email protected] if you’re in the area and interested in attending.