Presentations
“Unbound – A Conversation Against Human Trafficking”
Produced by Salt & Light media, hosted by Deacon Pedro Guevara-Mann and a panel of Archdiocese of Vancouver AHT committee members.
Human trafficking is happening in Canada – at least 90% is domestic trafficking. It has been described as “modern day slavery” and the average age gets younger in younger. As the demand (buying) increases, so does the need to traffic more women and girls for the purposes of sexual exploitation.
Our current law, the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act (PCEPA), criminalizes the buyer of sexual services while protecting the prostituted person and offering exiting services.
“Prostitution fuels the demand for Human Trafficking – Prostitution cannot exist without Human Trafficking,” says Gwendoline Allison, lawyer and AHT committee member.
All forms of pimping are manipulative and deceptive. “The lover boy falsely lures young victims, telling them they will give them everything….they get involved and then the relationship turns into violence,” comments Sr Nancy Brown, Sisters of Charity and AHT committee member.
“Buyer Beware: Ending Commercial Sexual Exploitation”
Valiant Richey, former Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and current OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings speaks to “Buyer Beware: Ending Commercial Sexual Exploitation” and ending “demand” because without someone buying, there would not be a need to increase supply through trafficking and coercing more victims.
“It’s time to reduce the demand for sex buying, hold sex buyers accountable and then help change their attitudes so that they come to understand the inherent harms in their behavior.”
Benjamin Gauen | Current Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
Special Assault Unit | King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office