Crime Prevention A Sex Trade Reality Check

People who exchange money or favours for sex may think there is no harm being done, claiming it’s a victimless crime.

• Adults, youth and children become sexual objects with price tags. They are often physically and emotionally scarred by the sexual exploitation of prostitution.
• Affected neighbourhoods suffer from an increase in vehicular traffic, discarded needles and used condoms, as well as an increase in gang and drug activity – all directly connected to the sex trade.

People who pay money for sex may think they are helping the sex trade worker by supplying him or her with money.

• In most cases, the money is immediately used for the purchase of illegal drugs such as crack cocaine and crystal meth.

People may think sex trade workers enjoy their work.

• Most sex trade workers hate their work. They are frequent targets of violence, often resulting in arrests and court convictions.

People may think no harm can come to the the sex trade consumer.

• Sex trade consumers have been victims of violence and robbery.
• Consumers can contract sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Even though condoms reduce the chances of contracting STIs, they are not effective against all infections (ie. syphilis, herpes, genital warts)
• Many of the consumers experience shame, embarrassment and depression.

People who pay money for sex may think they are too smart to get caught or arrested by the Police.

• Police are frequently in the areas known for prostitution, arresting and detecting many of the consumers.

People may think it’s not a big deal to be arrested.

• Buying sex from a child under 18 years is child sexual abuse. Those who engage in this criminal activity may be subject to a variety of charges, with maximum jail sentences of up to 14 years.
• People who talk to children for the purposes of engaging in prostitution may also be subject to criminal charges with maximum jail sentences of up to 10 years.
• Upon conviction of some of these offences, the court can order a DNA sample be provided to the National DNA Databank.
• Those who talk to adults for the purposes of engaging in prostitution may be charged with a communication offence and subject to a jail sentence of up to 6 months, a $2000 fine, or both.
• Their vehicles are seized immediately. If convicted in court, they may lose their vehicle. They may have to attend John School and stay out of areas known for prostitution. Their family, friends and co-workers often become aware of their arrest. Prosecutions are held in open court.

People think buying sex doesn’t hurt anyone!

The Salvation Army Corrections
For Information and Assistance: 949-2100

Klinic – Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
General Intake Line: 784-4059
Drop In Counselling: 784-4067
24 Hour Crisis Line: 786-8686

Sex Addicts Anonymous: 926-1944

Winnipeg Police Service Morals Unit
For Information: 986-3464

Men’s Resource Centre
Individual, Group, & Drop-in Counselling
(Monday 1-4 p.m.; Thursday 1-8 p.m.)
956-9528