References

How to identify a pimp

  • Pimps can be either male or female.
  • May be any age… although most are between the ages of 16 and 45.
  • They know what to look for, and can find a child or youth’s weaknesses.
  • Usually very manipulative i.e., they are “‘smooth talkers.”
  • May initially pose as a boyfriend or friend who is nice to family.
  • Fill a need: make both boys and girls feel good, and/or feel like an adult.
  • May appear to have material success beyond their age group, but are usually unemployed, have limited education and are in a poor economic situation. They usually have few material possessions. At the same time, however, pimps often strongly desire wealth, power and status among, their peer group.
  • Often self-centered and narcissistic, viewing themselves as special and different.
  • May display lots of bravado, flash, glitter and attitude.
  • May claim to be in the “‘entertainment industry.”
  • Carry cell phones.
  • Often associated with other criminal activities besides sexual exploitation.
  • May carry weapons and have violent backgrounds.
  • May be involved with drugs.
  • May have one or more “girlfriends” or “boyfriends” whom they exploit in the sex trade.
  • May exert total control and/or exhibit possessive behaviour, excluding all other friends.

Danger Signs

Signs that may indicate that a young person is being sexually exploited include:

  • withdrawing from home life, becoming secretive and uncommunicative, missing curfew or running away
  • skipping school and dropping grades
  • dropping old friends for a new group
  • dressing provocatively, using heavy makeup, carrying condoms
  • exhibiting extreme mood swings and abusive language
  • staying out late
  • coming home drunk or on drugs
  • lying about where they are and what they are doing
  • being extremely secretive about their activities
  • being extremely protective over a new boyfriend
  • having a boyfriend who is much older
  • having unexplained money
  • bringing home new and expensive clothing and trinkets
  • packing a change of clothes when they go out

Support Groups

“Healing Ourselves” Parents’ Support Group
(For Parents of Sexually Exploited Youth)

Talking about the issue of sexual exploitation is never easy, but it’s especially difficult for families with youth who are at risk of being sexually exploited or who have been recruited into the Sex Trade. Feelings of embarrassment, shame and guilt are common. It’s important not to let those feelings prevent families from reaching out for help.

Many parents have said it is easier to talk with families whose youth are also being sexually exploited. That’s why it’s important to get together with other parents and family members who have youth who are in similar situations. The emotional support, education and exchange of information can be extremely helpful.

The “Healing Ourselves” Parents Support Group provides support, education, information, and a safe, non-judgmental place for families to talk about what is happening for themselves and their youth. The group is open to parents as well as other family members who need support. The group meets twice a month in the evenings from 7pm to 9pm. The group is co facilitated by two Youth Workers who work with Sexually Exploited Youth in the community.

For more information please contact:
Boy’s and Girl’s Club Services of Greater Victoria, or
Victoria Youth Empowerment Society

Knowing Your Rights

Protection of Children under B.C. Legislation

B.C.’s Child, Family and Community Service Act deals with the protection of children, who are defined as under the age of 19 years. The act states:

  • A child under the age of 19 years is deemed to be in need of protection if the child has been or is likely to be physically harmed, sexually abused or sexually exploited by another person and if the child’s parent is unwilling or unable to protect the child. (Section 15)
  • The act requires anyone who has reason to believe that a child needs protection to report the matter to a director at the Ministry for Children and Families or a child protection social worker. It is an offence under the act to fail to report in those circumstances. (Section 14)
  • A police officer who has reasonable grounds to believe that a child’s heath or safety is in immediate danger can take charge of that child without a court order. On taking charge of the child, the police officer must immediately take the child to a child protection social worker or a place designated by a director at the Ministry for Children and Families. (Section 27)