Task Force on Sexually Exploited and At-Risk Youth
The Burnaby-New Westminster Task Force on Sexually Exploited and At-Risk Youth has been working since 1998 to address the sexual abuse of children and youth in the commercial sex trade and to promote support services for at-risk youth. The work of the Task Force focuses primarily on prevention, but the group also advocates, through Burnaby City Council, for adequate services and treatment for sexually exploited youth and for legislative and policy changes at the senior government level. These changes would make it easier to charge and convict perpetrators of this type of child abuse.
Sexual exploitation is the sexual abuse of children and youth through the exchange of sex or sexual acts for food, shelter, a ride, drugs/alcohol, or money. This includes activities such as porn, stripping, phone sex, unwanted 'sexting' and internet sex. Sexual exploitation is not a lifestyle choice - it is child abuse. Further information on the issue of child and youth sexual exploitation can be accessed here.
The Task Force includes representatives from the Burnaby and New Westminster School Districts, the Fraser Health Authority, the Ministry of Children and Family Development, the City of New Westminster, the City of Burnaby, and non-profit organizations providing services to youth. For more information email socialplanning@burnaby.ca.
Related Information
- Youth Crisis Card
- Youth in BC Crisis line
- Burnaby Youth HUB and Clinic
- Kids Help Phone
- Internet Safety Tips
- Cyber Tip resources on sexual exploitation and internet safety
- Children of the Street Society
- Posters
- Brochures: It Can Happen to Anyone!
