One of the primary objectives of CALACS des Rivières is to help girls and women victims of sexual assault. All forms of sexual assault carry negative consequences, and negatively affect the relationships of most, if not all victims. We the members of CALACS believe that sexual exploitation is a form of sexual violence.
Our definition of sexual exploitation:
A practice through which one or more people obtain sexual gratification, financial gain or otherwise benefit from the abuse of another person or group of persons’ sexuality. When a person’s sexuality is used, without regard for what they are feeling or going through – that is sexual exploitation. Also, when a sexual performance or compliance is expected, because there has been an exchange of money (or services)… We include in this definition: street prostitution, sex work to supplement one’s budget, exotic dance, erotic massage, escort services (through an agency or independent), pornography, and online sex work… (CLES,2014)
Being aware of the flagrant increase in sexual exploitation in our region in recent years, CALACS des Rivières decided to take its research even further, to ensure the organization is current on the subject. On March 4th, 2020 (an international day for the fight against sexual exploitation), a report was released regarding sexual exploitation in Haute-Yamaska and Brome-Missisquoi: L’exploitation sexuelle en Haute-Yamaska et Brome-Missisquoi « Comprendre pour mieux intervenir ».
