Montreal organization targets clients of sex work during Grand Prix

The Montreal organization Concertation des luttes contre l’exploitation sexuelle or CLES launched a campaign that targets the clients of sex workers during the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend. Community organizer for the group, Jennie-Laure Sully, says the main message is to remind everyone that this type of activity is illegal.

“The act of purchasing sex is criminal in Canada. The women and girls who are trapped in the sex industry are not themselves criminals,” said Sully. “The idea is to make sure that the those who profit from the prostitution of others, we’re talking about pimps and we’re talking about clients, that they are aware of the law.”

The campaign is also distributing posters and flyers as well as publishing their message on social media and bus shelters. These displays are aimed at both locals and tourists during the Canadian Grand Prix, as well as for other major events and festivals in Montreal this summer.

“It’s not just during the Grand Prix that there will be sexual exploitation going on, but we know that during the Grand Prix, especially during the weekend of the Grand Prix, there are private parties, there are a lot of other activities going on where pimps will try to recruit women and girls and where human trafficking will go on,” adds Sully.

The Montreal police declined an interview, but said in a statement that SPVM officers met with several hotel managers and employees of various companies that offer transportation services during the weeks leading up to the Grand Prix with the objective of prevention and awareness of sexual exploitation.

“The police told us that they are taking this seriously,” said Sully. “We think that it’s important that they make sure to apply the law basically, and there should be arrests of pimps, of clients of prostitution.”

Sully adds it is not only the police who can help women and girls who are active in the sex industry.

“There’s the need for those who are in contact with women and girls that could be in danger to also call the police if they see something, someone who is in danger. So it’s important. We also give training to employees in the tourist sector about the importance of making sure that any situation of violence is reported to the police,” said Sully.