Asylum records show that in the early history of the Magdalene movement many women entered and left the institutions of their own accord, sometimes repeatedly. Lu Ann De Cunzo wrote in her book, Reform, Respite, Ritual: An Archaeology of Institutions; The Magdalene Society of Philadelphia, 1800--1850, that the women in Philadelphia's asylum ``sought a refuge and a respite from disease, the prison or almshouse, unhappy family situations, abusive men, and dire economic circumstances.'' In its early years, the Magdalen Society Asylum functioned as a refuge for prostitutes.
Magdalene Society
Magdalen Society Asylum