From Sex Trade Involvement to Advocacy: Nikki’s Journey of Hope and Resilience
Nikki’s story is one of transformation, resilience, and hope.
Once involved in the sex trade herself and on the streets of Worcester, Nikki faced the harsh realities
of abuse and trauma. However, her journey took a remarkable turn when she decided to leave that
life behind and dedicate herself to helping others in similar situations.
Nikki Bell Pena founded Lift in 2014, a non-profit organization aimed at supporting women escaping
the abusive and traumatic life of sex work. “Lift began as just a pot of coffee and clothes from my
own closet,” Nikki recalls. Her humble beginnings quickly grew into a successful organization that
provided essential resources, support, and a safe haven for many women.
Under Nikki’s leadership, Lift flourished until 2022, when she departed from Lift and has been
working to establish another non-profit with a similar mission. After Nikki’s departure from Lift in
2022, the organization underwent significant changes. According to an interview with Audra Doody,
the co-executive director, and the Telegram & Gazette, Lift closed its overnight services, laid off 11
staff members, and renamed the non-profit to “Safe Exit Initiative”[2].
Despite the challenges she continues to face, Nikki remains a hopeful advocate for those still trapped
in the life she was fortunate enough to escape.
Recently, Nikki’s advocacy work has been underscored by a troubling report from the Department of
Justice (DOJ). The investigation, which began in November 2022, looked back into cases and
reports as early as 2017 and revealed that the Worcester Police Department (WPD) and
the city engaged in practices that violated constitutional and federal laws[1]. The report highlighted
two major issues: the use of excessive force by WPD and the involvement of undercover officers in
sexual contact with women suspected of being involved in the commercial sex trade[1].
The DOJ report further stated that more than half of the women surveyed reported that undercover
WPD officers engaged in prostitution stings had tricked or misled them into providing sexual
acts. Nearly half of the women reported that officers had offered less, or no, punishment in exchangefor sex acts. When advocates shared these concerns with WPD officials, including the Captain of
WPD’s Vice Unit, which enforces prostitution laws, WPD reportedly responded that women often
fabricate such claims and that without specific complaints, nothing could be done[1].
For Nikki, this report stirs deep emotions as it reflects her own experiences with law enforcement
during her time involved in sex trade. “It’s disheartening to see that these practices are still
happening,” she says. “But it also strengthens my resolve to continue fighting for justice and support
for these women.” Nikki emphasizes the importance of believing the victims: “Their voices are just as
important as anyone else’s and they need to be heard and taken seriously. I want to highlight the
bravery of those who have come forward and acknowledge the dangerousness they face should they
be discredited. The DOJ is more than capable of doing their job, I am asking that people lean into
their report and use it as leverage for change going forward”
Nikki’s journey from involvement in sex trade to becoming a beacon of hope for others is a
testament to her strength and determination. Her significant work with what once was Lift and the
mission of her up and coming non-profit continues to make a significant impact on the lives of many
women, offering them a chance at a better future.
As Nikki looks ahead, she remains committed to her mission. “I want everyone involved in sex
trade out there to know that there is hope,” she says. “No matter how dark things may seem, there is
a way out.”
Nikki’s story is not just about overcoming adversity; it’s about using one’s experiences to create
positive change and inspire others. Her legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and an unyielding
belief in the power of hope.
[1]: Investigation of the Worcester Police Department and the City of Worcester
[2]: Worcester: LIFT social service agency drops 15-bed shelter, lays off staff
References
[1] Investigation of the Worcester Police Department and the City of Worcester
[2] WASSERBERG, et al – United States Department of Justice
You may also like: Worcester Launches Misconduct Reporting Hotline Following Federal Investigation
7 thoughts on “From Sex Trade Involvement to Advocacy: Nikki’s Journey of Hope and Resilience”
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Our Privacy Policy, along with our Terms & Conditions, governs your use of this site. By using the website, or by accepting the Terms of Use (via opt-in, checkbox, pop-up, or clicking an email link confirming the same), you agree to be bound by our Terms & Conditions and our Privacy Policy.
If you have provided any voluntarily given information, you may review and make changes to it via instructions found on the Website. To manage your receipt of marketing and non-transactional communications, you may Want to receive fewer emails, or none whatsoever? Update your email preferences.
Emails related to orders are provided automatically – customers are not able to opt out of these. We will try to address any requests related to the management of personal information in a timely manner. However, it may not always be possible to fully remove or modify information in our databases if we have a valid reason to keep it for certain timeframes. If you have any questions, simply see our website to view our official policies.
Our primary goal is to help you with lead generation. These emails are meant to give you advice on that topic, or to promote products that will help you have the kind of business films are written about.
If you’d like to Want to receive fewer emails, or none whatsoever? Update your email preferences by visiting https://resultleadgeneration.com/unsubscribe.aspx?d=whatsupworcester.com