The Beginning Of Grieving

In response to Joanne - first of all, it's great that you successfully overcame so many obstacles, I think that's a testimony to your will-power.

I think every person is different and every circumstance is different, most people do not have the strength or determination to remove themselves from harmful situations, case in point, is abusive relationships where there is always a glimmer of hope that from despair will come something better.

I don't feel sorry for people on the street, but I feel strong compassion for them - because even though i've never been a drug addict or a prostitute, i know that when we're stuck in destructive cycles, sometimes they have to play themselves out, and the willpower is really to just bear it until we have the opportunity to get out, and I think that opportunity comes by and large through the kindness of others, despite the impression that we alone are responsible for our own success.

So I think positive personal experiences are amazing, what you've done is amazing, but it can't necessarily be applied to each individual, because their psychological make up is no doubt totally different from yours or mine, or anybody's.

Thank goodness he was convicted. But I do not think its societies problem regarding the sex trade workers anywhere. If these woman want to change their lives then do it. Don't tell me that you can't. There is no such word to me. There are alot of jobs everywhere but people are to lazy to work in my opinion. I have been sexually abused at age 12, on drugs and drank my self silly in my teens and 20's which led me to have sex with everyone and anyone. Beat up by someone who I thought loved me left and ended up a single mother but did I say poor little me someone should help me NO. Instead now I am happily married, my husband has helped me through many obstacles but it was still my stubborn determination he says that helped,my children are healthy and happy, I'm a Grandmother has of 2007, and I work now has a Registered Nurse. So I don't feel sorry for people on the streets because YOU CAN CHANGE IF YOU WANT TO.

Yes, a powerful, moving interview, Trisha. You have driven home the fact that the people suffering on the DTES are people with families who love them - they are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles ... Your committment to giving all of the missing women a voice is truly admirable, and thanks to you and your Orato collegue, Pauline VanKoll, your voices will finally institute change.

For many of us, this trial marks the end - in our heads, the guilty party has been held accountable and we can go back to daily life, satisfied with the outcome. But I know that for you, for the familes, and for the people still in grips of addiction on the DTES, there are still many battles to be fought. I can't think of a better warrior.

Thank you Trisha, thank you Pauline.

That is an amazing interview - powerful and informative too, in terms of a human perspective, it might sound trite to say congratulations, but certainly thank you Trisha, i think most people, myself included have no idea about these women past and present working in the downtown east-side and their plight...it has really opened my eyes.