Dalia Puidokiene examined in her dissertation research the personal experiences of women in prostitution. The experiences of women in prostitution revealed various difficulties they face that reflect the complexity and multi-faceted nature of their problems.

Women went through unhappy internalized relationships, inner instability, vulnerability in their relationships with others, a damaged “I” and low self-confidence and self-esteem. They also suffered an objectified, traumatized and stigmatized identity, vulnerability to sexual abuse, self-destructive and devaluating behavior, complex post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction to unhappiness.

– The experiences of the women in their process of seeking help revealed how especially important the participation of a significant Other actually is. Ultimately the experiences indicated that the only thing that helped them to regain their lost power was entering into healing relationships with significant Other, Dalia Puidokiene says.

Before these women can accept help, they first have to discover, comprehend and recognize the problem they have. The absence of a response to their need for help is a hindrance for these women to achieve positive changes in their lives.

Information on the public examination of the thesis:
Dalia Puidokiene’s doctoral dissertation Covert Codes of Women in Prostitution: Pathways for Recovering Roots after Trauma Interface is to be publicly defended under the permission of the Faculty of Social Sciences on 22th of February 2013 at 12–15 at University of Lapland at Lecture Hall 3 (Yliopistonkatu 8, Rovaniemi). The opponent is professor Natalija Mazeikiene from Vytautas Magnus University. The custodian is professor Kyösti Urponen from University of Lapland.

Information on the doctoral candidate:
Dalia Puidokiene (borned 1963 in Lazdijai, Lithuania), has engineering degree from Kaunas Polytechnic Institute since 1986 and master degree of Social Work from Klaipeda University since 2002. In 2012 she received qualification of an existential psychotherapist.

Dalia Puidokiene is one of the founders of a non-governmental organization, Klaipeda Social and Psychological Services Centre, founded in 2003. She has led the team of professionals where the problems of violence against women, including prostitution and trafficking in human beings, are solved providing complex psychosocial help for victims.

Additional information:
Researcher Dalia Puidokiene, tel. +370 686 60401, dalia.puidokiene(at)gmail.com. Press copies of the thesis are available at Lapland University Press, tel. +358 40 821 4242, publications(at)ulapland.fi. Photograph of the candidate is available at Communications and External Relations of University of Lapland, irma.varrio(at)ulapland.fi.


Information on the Publication:
Dalia Puidokiene: Covert Codes of Women in Prostitution: Pathways for Recovering Roots after Trauma Interface. Acta Universitatis Lapponiensis 236. Lapland University Press: Rovaniemi 2013. ISBN 978-952-484-608-0. ISSN 0788-7604.

You can place an order at:
Academic and Art Bookshop Tila (University of Lapland, Main Library, address: Yliopistonkatu 8, Rovaniemi), tel. +358 40 821 4242, publications(at)ulapland.fi, order online at www.ulapland.fi/lup


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