Squamish Youth at risk for sexual exploitation

Predators drugs and alcohol to youth, according to surveys
By Reporter Meghan Dean, [url=http://www.squamishchief.com:80/madison\WQuestion.nsf/0/7CEDBFC17A7AA390882574050001C4DA?OpenDocument]The Whistler Question[/url], March 9

Sexual exploitation of youth is happening in Squamish at a degree many residents may find shocking.

“Youth are being sexually exploited here in Squamish. It is happening,” said Laura Modray, a member of the Howe Sound Women’s Centre representing SAFFE (Sea to Sky Adolescents’ Freedom From Exploitation). According to two recent studies done by Modray and SAFFE project co-ordinators Ashley Froment and Deanna Enders, 73 per cent of local youths said say they have been offered free drugs and alcohol by someone older, and most say it’s for something in return.

One 13-year-old girl said it was so the person could “do me.” Others said it was so they could “get you stoned so you might have sex” or “to see what I would do.”

The surveys’ releases were done in conjunction with the 10th annual Stop the Sexual Exploitation of Children and Youth in B.C. Week as a way of creating awareness around the issue. From March 10 to 16, co-ordinators in Squamish and other B.C. communities will work to educate residents about prevention, enforcement and intervention strategies to address youth sexual exploitation. (...)