Prostitution is prevalent in Boyle Street and McCauley, as has been noted by nearly all community members. While driving along 95 Street one often sees prostitutes plying their trade on the street corners at all times of the day.

Police are able to deal with these individual issues through our immediate response as well as targeted enforcement on both the john and the prostitute; however, we are unable to get to the root of the problem through enforcement.

I spoke with Kari Thomason of Métis Child and Family Services. Kari works with prostitutes at a street level, focusing on keeping the girls safe and assisting them in leaving the street and prostitute lifestyle when possible. Kari was able to provide an insight into prostitution that is very unique.

Kari grew up surrounded by prostitution at a young age. She has had two family members murdered. Another two are missing but presumed dead, and one has died due to HIV – all due to a life of prostitution.

“A life in prostitution typically begins between the ages of 12 to 15 in Edmonton,” says Staff Sgt. Fiorilli of the Edmonton Police Service Vice Unit. “The average age of a prostitute on the streets of Edmonton is 18 to 25 years.”

While many people are growing up saying that they would like to be an astronaut, a doctor, or a police officer, we never hear of anyone saying that they want to become a prostitute. How is it that people are becoming prostitutes at such a young age?

Prostitution is regularly one of the consequences of childhood sexual abuse: 90% of street prostitutes were sexually assaulted during their childhood, often by a family member. Of those, 50% grew up in foster care where someone in a position of trust sexually abused them. This creates a jaded perception on their self-worth, leaving the child searching for belonging and answers.

Gangs and others involved in the sex trade take advantage of this vulnerability and shape these children into prostitutes through the use of manipulation, shame, and addiction.Illicit drugs become a necessity of survival to numb the pain they feel due to the nightmare they are living in.

While many people are growing up saying that they would like to be an astronaut, a doctor, or a police officer, we never hear of anyone saying that they want to become a prostitute. How is it that people are becoming prostitutes at such a young age?

This lifestyle can only last so long. Between the violence, disease, addictions, mental issues, cold weather, and poor living conditions, the life expectancy of prostitutes is quite short. This is well known amongst the prostitutes. According to Kari Thomason, their working area within Edmonton is referred to as “Death Row.”

The Edmonton Police, as well as many other agencies, offer services to assist prostitutes in leaving the lifestyle behind. Project Snug, a joint operation with the Edmonton Police and social service agencies is one of these projects. It focuses on taking prostitutes directly from the street and offering them food, a warm bed, an opportunity for detox, and a life away from drugs and prostitution.

Making the police aware of prostitution helps us to reach out to these people and offer them help. It also provides us with an opportunity to target the johns that are victimizing these women all over again.

Your reports are essential in targeting this issue as we strive to reduce prostitution and the effect it has on the victims as well as the community.

Reports can be made through the general complaint line (780-423-4567) as well as the Report-a-John and Report a Prostitute program.This can be accessed through the Edmonton Police’s website, www.edmontonpolice.ca/, under the “How Do I” section.

Cst. Walkom can be reached at (780) 421-2603 or via email at michael.walkom@edmontonpolice.ca.