Calgary, AB,
25
April
2013
|
10:37
America/Denver
Calgary Police Lay Human Trafficking Charges Against Two Local Men
On Thursday, April 18, 2013, Calgary police laid charges against two local men in relation to an investigation into human trafficking.
In February, 2013, front-line officers responded to a disturbance in a local hotel. Upon arrival, they found a 17-year-old female victim of what appeared to be human trafficking. Because of her age, she was apprehended under the Government of Alberta Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act (PSECA). As the investigation continued, a second victim, who was 19 years old, was found.
Abdullah AMER, 18, and Balal JEHA, 19, both of Calgary have been charged with:
- · living off the avails of a prostitute under the age of 18
- · living off the avails of a prostitute
- · trafficking in a minor
- · trafficking in persons over 18
- · receiving material benefit from trafficking in persons
- · procuring a person under 18 to become a prostitute
- · unlawful confinement
As yesterday, April 24, 2013, was Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day in Calgary, the Calgary Police Service would like to remind all citizens of the following messages:
• “The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another.”
• There is legislation in Alberta that protects youth who are at risk of sexual exploitation—the Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act.
• Youth can access voluntary services for support.
• Alberta Child and Family Services and the Police can decide if a child involved in prostitution is at extreme risk and should be apprehended.
• Youth who have been apprehended can be confined in the protective safe house for up to 47 days as determined by the Courts.
• This legislation states that persons under the age of 18 who are engaged in prostitution are victims of sexual abuse. Individuals who solicit a child or encouraging a child to become involved in prostitution can be fined, jailed, or both.
• Adults can also be sexually exploited. There is no legislation to protect sexually exploited adults but there are support service providers available to assist them.
• There is legislation in Alberta that protects youth who are at risk of sexual exploitation—the Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act.
• Youth can access voluntary services for support.
• Alberta Child and Family Services and the Police can decide if a child involved in prostitution is at extreme risk and should be apprehended.
• Youth who have been apprehended can be confined in the protective safe house for up to 47 days as determined by the Courts.
• This legislation states that persons under the age of 18 who are engaged in prostitution are victims of sexual abuse. Individuals who solicit a child or encouraging a child to become involved in prostitution can be fined, jailed, or both.
• Adults can also be sexually exploited. There is no legislation to protect sexually exploited adults but there are support service providers available to assist them.