In late March, police received a tip that a female youth may be involved in the sex trade and was in need of intervention.
On Thursday, April 5, 2018, police attended a location on the city’s south side and found the youth. The female had reportedly been confined at the location for over a week and forced into the local sex trade. For her safety, she was apprehended under the Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act (PSECA) and has since been provided assistance and support through Alberta Children’s Services.
The female was reportedly confined and sexually trafficked by a male youth who she met at a local shopping complex. The two allegedly spent time together for a month and the male showered her with expensive gifts until he held her against her will, and began trafficking her for sex.
Following a thorough investigation the male youth was taken into custody on Wednesday, April 17, 2018. He has since been charged with procuring a person under 18, trafficking of a person under 18 and obtaining material benefit from the sexual service of a person under 18.
“It is often very difficult for those experiencing sexual exploitation or sex trafficking to come forward and ask for the assistance they need,” says Staff Sergeant Dale Johnson with the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Unit.
“If you believe someone has become a victim of sexual exploitation or sex trafficking we encourage you to contact police as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information or tips related to sexual exploitation or sex trafficking in the Edmonton area is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Dial 9-1-1 in an emergency. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.
April 16-20, 2018 is Sexual Exploitation Awareness Week in Edmonton. To learn more about this annual week of awareness hosted by the Sexual Exploitation Working Group (SEWG), visit: https://edmontonsewg.com/events/sewa/
from Media Releases https://ift.tt/2HE4VVr
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