A hundred arrests in one month for child exploitation in Ontario
Ontario police authorities pinned a hundred possible sexual predators last October as part of a strategy to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation on the Internet. A total of 121 alleged victims, all minors, have been identified and taken into care, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) announced Wednesday.The Ottawa Police Service, which also participated in the strategy, said it had arrested four individuals in connection with cases of sexual exploitation involving youth through the Web. A total of 14 charges were laid and 70 electronic devices were seized by police during search warrants.
Sergeant Dawna Kristy of the Ottawa Police Internet Child Exploitation Unit shared in an interview with Le Droit that she has noticed a significant increase in cases since last year, both in the federal capital and across Canada.
"From January to May, this year, there was a 150 per cent increase in sextortion cases in the country."
The sergeant said Ottawa police receive close to 50 files or reports per month to be verified.
OPP Detective Inspector Jordan Whitesell pointed out that between 2010 and 2020, the number of exploitation cases skyrocketed due to technological advances. "Children are often online and offenders are able to have easier access."
The authorities recall the importance of filing a complaint when there are doubts about comments shared during an online conversation.
123RFIn OntarioDuring its media outing, the OPP shared that it had conducted a total of 255 investigations, obtained 168 search warrants and seized 1,032 devices.
"These numbers are shocking, but they give hope by showing how far our teams are willing to go to protect children," OPP Chief Superintendent Kari Dart said in a written statement.
Another 175 investigations are still ongoing and several more charges could be laid in the coming months.
"I think kids have a sense of security because there's a screen between them and the person they're talking to. This false sense of security pushes them to say, do, and accept things they would not otherwise have tolerated. »
-- Dawna Kristy, Sergeant of the Internet Child Exploitation Unit
Protecting our childrenThe authorities recall the importance of filing a complaint when there are doubts about comments shared during an online conversation. "If as parents or caregivers you don't feel comfortable, give us a call," Detective Inspector Whitesell said, adding that you can never be too careful when talking about child safety.
For her part, the Ottawa Police Sergeant suggests that parents check their little ones' devices and pay attention to the shared content.
According to community stakeholders, online resources have also been set up to guide parents in the discussions to have with their children.
"You have to talk to them about the risks that are present. I think kids have a sense of security because there's a screen between them and the person they're talking to. This false sense of security pushes them to say, do and accept things they would not have tolerated otherwise," said the sergeant.
Whitesell also added, "I'm a parent myself, these conversations are as important as the ones I have with them about wearing a helmet while cycling or being careful when you run into someone you don't know."
Sergeant Dawna Kristy of the Ottawa Police Internet Child Exploitation Unit shared in an interview with Le Droit that she has noticed a significant increase in cases since last year, both in the federal capital and across Canada.
"From January to May, this year, there was a 150 per cent increase in sextortion cases in the country."
The sergeant said Ottawa police receive close to 50 files or reports per month to be verified.
OPP Detective Inspector Jordan Whitesell pointed out that between 2010 and 2020, the number of exploitation cases skyrocketed due to technological advances. "Children are often online and offenders are able to have easier access."
The authorities recall the importance of filing a complaint when there are doubts about comments shared during an online conversation.
123RFIn OntarioDuring its media outing, the OPP shared that it had conducted a total of 255 investigations, obtained 168 search warrants and seized 1,032 devices.
"These numbers are shocking, but they give hope by showing how far our teams are willing to go to protect children," OPP Chief Superintendent Kari Dart said in a written statement.
Another 175 investigations are still ongoing and several more charges could be laid in the coming months.
"I think kids have a sense of security because there's a screen between them and the person they're talking to. This false sense of security pushes them to say, do, and accept things they would not otherwise have tolerated. »
-- Dawna Kristy, Sergeant of the Internet Child Exploitation Unit
Protecting our childrenThe authorities recall the importance of filing a complaint when there are doubts about comments shared during an online conversation. "If as parents or caregivers you don't feel comfortable, give us a call," Detective Inspector Whitesell said, adding that you can never be too careful when talking about child safety.
For her part, the Ottawa Police Sergeant suggests that parents check their little ones' devices and pay attention to the shared content.
According to community stakeholders, online resources have also been set up to guide parents in the discussions to have with their children.
"You have to talk to them about the risks that are present. I think kids have a sense of security because there's a screen between them and the person they're talking to. This false sense of security pushes them to say, do and accept things they would not have tolerated otherwise," said the sergeant.
Whitesell also added, "I'm a parent myself, these conversations are as important as the ones I have with them about wearing a helmet while cycling or being careful when you run into someone you don't know."
KENZA BELHADI
The law
A hundred arrests in one month for child exploitation in Ontario| Justice and miscellaneous facts| News | Le Droit - Gatineau, Ottawa
The law
A hundred arrests in one month for child exploitation in Ontario| Justice and miscellaneous facts| News | Le Droit - Gatineau, Ottawa
