Prostitution and Sexual Slavery, "In Canada, Montreal is the Bangkok of the East"
Canada, this peaceful country, hub of prostitution? Several experts are sounding the alarm on this reality. For Maria Mourani, a well-known criminologist, Canada is far from performing well in this area. According to her, at least 80% of prostitutes in the country begin while they are still minors.
Interview.Sex slavery, a scourge in Canada, one of the 10 richest countries in the world?
On November 4, a major parliamentary commission was opened in Quebec to "paint a portrait of the sexual exploitation of minors in Quebec, including the consequences for the transition to adulthood". Criminologist and former member of the Federal Parliament (2006-2015),
Maria Mourani is delighted with the holding of this commission, in which she participates as an expert.
"Sexual exploitation in Canada is far from a new phenomenon. But all the better if this commission makes us start talking about it again. We have trivialized, even normalized the discourse on prostitution in Western countries. Even some feminists have contributed to this trivialization.
It's an extremely violent and unimaginable environment in a country like Canada, "she first responded to Sputnik's microphone.
A phenomenon that is not new, but especially that has not decreased in recent years. Maria Mourani recalls that at least 11% of Canadian men call more or less regularly the services of a prostitute, major or minor.
"It is estimated that 40% of prostitutes are minors in Canada. One important thing to note is that the data we have is partial.
We only talk about the victims detected and not the actual victims. So there are many more victims than the figures claim, "said the criminologist.
Interview.Sex slavery, a scourge in Canada, one of the 10 richest countries in the world?
On November 4, a major parliamentary commission was opened in Quebec to "paint a portrait of the sexual exploitation of minors in Quebec, including the consequences for the transition to adulthood". Criminologist and former member of the Federal Parliament (2006-2015),
Maria Mourani is delighted with the holding of this commission, in which she participates as an expert.
"Sexual exploitation in Canada is far from a new phenomenon. But all the better if this commission makes us start talking about it again. We have trivialized, even normalized the discourse on prostitution in Western countries. Even some feminists have contributed to this trivialization.
It's an extremely violent and unimaginable environment in a country like Canada, "she first responded to Sputnik's microphone.
A phenomenon that is not new, but especially that has not decreased in recent years. Maria Mourani recalls that at least 11% of Canadian men call more or less regularly the services of a prostitute, major or minor.
"It is estimated that 40% of prostitutes are minors in Canada. One important thing to note is that the data we have is partial.
We only talk about the victims detected and not the actual victims. So there are many more victims than the figures claim, "said the criminologist.
Bringing together all the parties in the National Assembly, the commission will be responsible for making recommendations aimed at curbing sexual exploitation in Quebec. To do this, the commission must still look into sexual exploitation in other provinces, because pimps often force women under their control to go to prostitution throughout the country. Francophone women would be particularly appreciated by the English-speaking clientele.
"Girls are expected to move according to supply and demand. In cities where there is a lot of tourist activity, there are girls who have stayed there,
but also girls who come from other cities and provinces. [...] In the same way that Quebecers in the regions will appreciate black and Asian women,
English Canadians will love French-speaking women. Prostitution is also a system that appeals to a racist imaginary, "said Mourani.
"Girls are expected to move according to supply and demand. In cities where there is a lot of tourist activity, there are girls who have stayed there,
but also girls who come from other cities and provinces. [...] In the same way that Quebecers in the regions will appreciate black and Asian women,
English Canadians will love French-speaking women. Prostitution is also a system that appeals to a racist imaginary, "said Mourani.
What can be done to stop the phenomenon? Maria Mourani considers that the authorities must target customers more. In Canada, if it is not illegal to offer one's own sexual services, it is still forbidden to buy one. Customers who get caught by the police often do not have any serious consequences.
"We have to attack the customers, especially those who ask for minors. These clients are pedophiles who abuse children and adolescents through prostitution. Instead of simply charging for the purchase of sexual services, they should also be charged with sexual assault on a minor.
This is what I will propose to the commission, "concluded Maria Mourani.
"We have to attack the customers, especially those who ask for minors. These clients are pedophiles who abuse children and adolescents through prostitution. Instead of simply charging for the purchase of sexual services, they should also be charged with sexual assault on a minor.
This is what I will propose to the commission, "concluded Maria Mourani.
Thank you for your visit