Lecture 10: The Sexual Exploitation of Young Men in (Western) Canada Flashcards
Sexual Exploitation
Abuse of children and youth by exchanging sexual activity for money, drugs, and/or basic needs.
National Youth in Care Network
Organization run by youth and former youth from government care who advocate for youth in care.
What is the demographics of sexually exploited young men?
- Mostly Aboriginal.
- Most involved with child protective services.
- Most didn’t finish high school.
- Most thrown out.
- Most sexually or physically violated.
- Most witnessed aggression.
- Most involved with police.
What were some reasons that young men became involved in the sex trade?
- Physical, mental, and emotional health.
- Necessity and survival.
- Drug and alcohol dependency.
- Family history.
- Camaraderie and acceptance.
At what age did most of the young men get into the sex trade?
Under the age of 18 (16-17).
What is a potential economic problem when young boys are involved in the sex trade?
As adults, they lack employment skills and work experience. Don’t have transferrable skills.
Sex work in and of itself is not illegal. However, why do most individuals involved commit crime when they hit older ages such as 24?
They must innovate to sustain habits.
How long do most young men stay in the sex trade?
Over 2 years.
Which gender tends to enter the trade earlier and stay twice as long?
Men.
Why do men struggle exiting the sex trade?
There are very few exiting services. Women are offered exit when they birth children, which brings along state support.
Where do male sex trade workers mainly work?
In cars, hotels, apartments, truck stops, abandoned buildings, parks. Rarely go to a home. Mainly unconventional spaces.
How do male sex trade workers act and dress?
They act normal, and tend to walk and keep moving. Wear everyday clothing to remain undetectable.
True or false? Male sex trade workers never make use of shelters.
False, most report staying in shelters.
True or false? Male sex trade workers report negative experiences at shelters.
False.
Dissociation
Majority did not enjoy working in the sex teamed but felt victimized and traumatized. Dissociating themselves from the sex acts the were performing.
How are family relations strained due to involvement in the male sex trade?
Families generally disapprove of involvement in the sex trade, especially when they are aware that the customers are predominantly male.
Gay Bashing
Humiliation and violence from the community and customers.
True or false? Most male sex workers have experienced a bad date.
True.
What are some common preoccupations of the male sex trade workers?
- How and when to exit the trade.
- Fear of never getting out.
- How to improve lives/lives of families.
- Moving on to a better lifestyle.
How do male sex trade workers hustle safely?
- Do not hustle alone.
- Stay in safe/well-lit areas.
- Seek ‘sugar daddy’ relationship.
How are drugs and the sex trade related?
Sometimes the trade introduces them to drugs. Most see drugs as a way of life, and drug use in private life fuels the need to work and enables them to remain in the trade.
What are the 3 types of sexual orientations in the male sex trade?
- Gay for pay.
- Straight for pay.
- Transgender.
Gay for Pay
Make who is heterosexual in non-hustling/working life but will become involved in sexual activities with male customers during the period in which he is hustling/working.
Straight for Pay
Gay male who will take on a straight personae during the period in which he is hustling/working.
What are 3 reasons that young men stay in the sex trade?
- Necessity.
- Survival.
- Addiction.
What are services that would help young men exit the sex trade?
- Residential support services.
- Drug withdrawal support.
- Trauma support.
What is the general message that service providers must realize when dealing with young men in the sex trade?
It is not easy to leave.
What is the legislation in Alberta that deals with sexually exploited children?
Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act.
How does the PSECA deal with the issue of sexually exploited children?
- Education.
- Risk assessment.
- Service provision.
How are sexually exploited children dealt with under the PSECA?
May be confined for 5-7 days.
List features of the previous anti-prostitution laws in Canada.
- Prostitution legal, but related activities are illegal.
- Cannot keep brothel.
- Cannot transport/direct person to brothel.
- Cannot solicit/procure sex, pimp or control someone.
- Pimping those under 18 is aggravating.
- Illegal to meet in public place for prostitution.
- Indecent act law.
What was acceptable under the previous anti-prostitution laws in Canada?
- Meeting clients in hotel rooms.
- Advertising in newspapers or magazines.
- Speak over phone.
Why was Canada’s anti-prostitution laws revised in 2013-2014?
The old ones made work for prostitutes unsafe.
The Supreme Court of Canada ___ struck down current anti-prostitution laws at that time, taking an almost activist role.
Unanimously.
Why did the SCC declare that current anti-prostitution laws were not sufficient?
The parliament has power to regulate against nuisances, but not at the cost of health, safety, and lives of prostitutes.
Suspended Declaration of Invalidity
Gives parliament one year to make the necessary changes.
What was carried over into the new anti-prostitution laws from the old ones?
- Brothel still illegal.
- Transporting/directing people still illegal.
- Public place still illegal.
What are some of the changes the new anti-prostitution laws brought about?
- Obtaining sexual services for consideration is illegal.
- Aggravating factor if underage.
- Obtaining material benefit from sexual services is illegal.
- Procuring from a minor is illegal. Younger the more aggravating.
- Knowingly advertising is illegal. One can only advertise for self.
- Aiding and abetting.
What are contentious aspects of the new anti-prostitution laws?
- What constitutes sexual service?
- Illegal to discuss in public causes trade to be pushed underground.
- Newspapers may be charged instead of ad posters.
- Aiding and abetting discourages collaboration.
