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.The first survey of local service providers was funded through the Ministry of Attorney Generals and the Assistant Deputy Ministers' Committee on Prostitution and Sexual Exploitation of Youth.It took place from October 2006 to February 2007 and 21 local youth service providers participated. In the study, sexual exploitation was defined as the exchange of sexual activity for something else in return. An overwhelming majority of Squamish RCMP, local social workers and other service providers agreed that youth sexual exploitation is occurring here. Nineteen of 21 said it is happening here in one form another, most often for drugs and alcohol or housing.In response to those results, the SAFFE project conducted a second survey of Squamish's youth, averaging 13 to 15 years old, to get their perspective on the town's level of exploitation. Modray said the findings are preliminary and that she and her team intend to survey more youths to paint as clear a picture as possible. The study, based on 56 surveys completed at two local youth forums, showed Squamish's young population recognizes what sexual exploitation is all about. One local youth described exploitation as "Being forced to act in sexual ways for another for a reward of any sort." Another said it was "An exchange of sex and drugs."And the survey's findings echoed those of the workers, with 14 per cent of responding that they have exchanged sexual acts for such things here in Squamish.Despite these findings, both surveys offer very similar rays of hope. When asked how Squamish could help youth avoid sexual exploitation, each group said that education and awareness, more youth centres and more youth-focused counsellors could help prevent future abuses."People think this only happens in East Vancouver. It's just more hidden here. It just looks different, and now we know," she said. She also said her SAFFE Community Action Team is working on setting up a designated phone line for distressed youths, and will continue to hold forums at local schools.
