Why We’re Broadening Our Focus
We have recently made a strategic change in our communication by choosing to focus on ‘Sexual Exploitation,’ rather than ‘Sex Trafficking’ alone. By leading with the overarching category of ‘sexual exploitation’ we are not only better positioned to inform and educate on this complex issue, but our greatest desire is also to prevent the life altering and devastating impact these atrocities have on our children and youth. We need people to understand how widespread this issue is, and how prevalent it is in our Canadian communities. Does this mean we are no longer focusing on ‘sex trafficking’? Absolutely not. Quite the opposite, in fact! Our program statement now reads: Daughter Project Canada is working to help children and youth at risk of sexual exploitation through awareness, prevention and advocacy.
Our goal is to help as many girls as possible not become victims of sexual exploitation. Sex trafficking falls under the category and definition of sexual exploitation. Let’s break this down a bit…
Exploitation can be defined as the act of involving a child for economic or other reasons in criminal activities.
Sexual exploitation is defined as an actual or attempted abuse of someone's position of vulnerability (such as a person depending on you for survival, food rations, school, books, transport or other services), differential power or trust, to obtain sexual favours, including but not only, by offering money or other social, economic or political advantages. It includes trafficking and prostitution.
Child exploitation is the act of using a minor child for profit, labor, sexual gratification, or some other personal or financial advantage. Examples include child pornography, child sex trafficking, sextortion, the live streaming of child sexual abuse, and child sex tourism.
What separates trafficking from exploitation alone is that there is a third party (ex. the trafficker or pimp) that is benefiting (usually financially) from the exploitation. Sex trafficking is a form of sexual exploitation.
Sexual exploitation = victim and perpetrator.
Sex trafficking (a form of sexual exploitation) = trafficker/pimp and victim and perpetrator.
By focusing on “Sexual Exploitation” in place of “Sex Trafficking,” we believe we can help thousands of more girls. Whether money or other currency is being traded for the girl to be victimized is not the main issue. The devastating life altering impact of all sexual exploitation is what want to prevent.
We want to see the end of child/youth sexual exploitation, including sex trafficking, in Canada. We believe that the wider the net, the greater the catch in our fight against this injustice.
Starting this month, we will have a monthly focus to provide education, resources, action items and opportunities to get involved in advocacy. Friends, we cannot win this fight alone which is why I am asking you to reaffirm your commitment to this fight. We are asking you to use your power of influence by sharing posts, participate in activities, and be an advocate. Together our voice is stronger and our reach is farther. Together, let’s fight the injustice of sexual exploitation of Canadian children and youth and help prevent thousands from becoming victims.