Prostitution happens on street corners across the country. Women working the sex trade, trying to support themselves and bringing money back to their pimps.
It is a problem that returned to the public focus over the weekend in Regina. A man was robbed and forcibly confined during an incident involving a sex act. Two people have been charged.
For residents who live in areas frequented by prostitutes, the situation is terrifying.
“Scary, it is scary,” area resident Gail Stonechild said.
Stonechild is afraid every time she takes her grandchildren out for a walk because of what they may see.
“With these girls, they’re getting younger and younger,” Stonechild explained. “Girls 12, 13 years old. Even last night I could see them on my corner.”
Prostitution is usually thought of as hidden in the darkness of night, but Douglas McKay says that is not always so.
“You see these guys all night driving around late at night, early in the morning,” McKay said. “When I walk my kids to school, I help my wife in the morning, you’ll see them driving around here.”
Elizabeth Popowich from the Regina Police Service says it can be dangerous for families.
“If there are johns in the area approaching people who may not be involved in the sex trade, imagine how fearful families may be for their daughter or even their sons,” Popowich said.
She explains prostitution impacts the quality of life in a community. Concerns such as underage prostitutes and those who are being forced into the industry are ones police take very seriously.
Officers work with community groups to help deal with the problem. John School is one such program.
“(It) gives the johns an opportunity to acknowledge the harm they are doing to learn more about the effects of their actions,” Popowich said.
Work like this is what residents in Regina’s North Central rely on to clean up their streets. Some even hope incidents like this weekend’s robbery will deter others from taking part in prostitution.
“Maybe that will stop them from coming around,” McKay said. “Maybe they’ll be scared not to come around here anymore.”
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.