'They say they have been turned into plastic'
Grace wears a uniform to work these days, keeping down a stable job which is finally allowing her to make rent.
The former sex worker is still worried, however: a string of criminal charges related to her previous life could quite easily unravel all the hard work she has put in to starting a new life.
Because of delays in the justice system, women like Grace (not her real name) often fall back into old habits, according to Rita Bonello, manager of Dar Hosea, which helps women in prostitution.
Launched by the Sisters of Charity, run by the Friends of Thouret Association and managed by Ms Bonello, the aim of the place is not so much to draw women out of prostitution as it is to show them an alternative way of life and help them regain their dignity.
Dar Hosea is not a residential home. Instead, it offers women a meal, a shower and health and advocacy services during the morning and early afternoon hours.
Convincing them that someone does care about them is one of the challenges facing Ms Bonello and the other employees and volunteers.
“When they first come to the house and we offer them a cup of coffee, we have to insist that it is free. Many are taken aback and ask how it is...