Unfortunately, from the beginning of time there have always been certain men who exploit the economic and personal vulnerability of women, children, and other men for sexual purposes. Impoverished neighbourhoods often become a gathering place for people struggling with disabilities, mental illness, and addictions. These communities also become the targets of those who further exploit the vulnerable, i.e. pimps and johns and drug dealers. That in turn can affect the social health of the community as citizens suffer from an increase in traffic, discarded needles and condoms, and violence related to gang activity. The EPS is conscious of the impact of sexual exploitation on neighbourhoods.
Who is involved
The main ways in which women, children, and men become involved in sexual exploitation are coercion, ill-fated attempts at survival, and drug addiction.
Most of the individuals involved in prostitution are the product of negative familial experiences. Many of these men, women and children have been sexually abused or are runaways from homes plagued with neglect. Upwards of 70% of sex trade workers have experienced some form of abuse during their childhood.
Once on the street, they are subjected to more violence and victimization. It is thought that “abusive families normalize abusive treatment, thus perpetuating the cycle of violence depicted in the life of a sex trade worker. Not only is violence an inevitable part of life on the streets, it is often deadly.
Survival sex becomes an option for others who lack the personal resources to compete in mainstream society. They may be lacking in skills or education, they may be struggling with the disadvantages of racism and poverty, or they may be caught in addictions. Many of these individuals have been the product of negative family environments and have experienced abuse during their childhood. The offer of money to perform sexual services may seem a temporary relief and becomes part of a cycle of violence they already know.
Victimization is an inevitable part of street life with often deadly consequences.
Individuals used for sexual services can be as young as pre-school children and as old as senior citizens. It is estimated that the average age of entry into exploitation is 15 years. A child of that age is hardly making an informed decision. Homelessness, poverty, health-related issues, and addictions compound the situation of those caught in street life.
Leaving the Streets
Those who wish to leave a life of exploitation face many barriers even if there is no coercion. These can include inadequate housing, limited economic resources, waiting lists for treatment, and lack of social supports. The good news is that many young people are able to make a new life for themselves with appropriate interventions such as emergency relief, addictions treatment, transitional housing, employment programs, trauma counselling, life skills coaching, support groups, and education.