Sex exploitation report deemed too ‘harmful’ to release

Charlene Johnson

CBC News has obtained an alarming report about sexual exploitation in Newfoundland and Labrador that the provincial government funded three years ago and then locked away, citing public safety concerns.

The province commissioned and paid for the 2011 report, titled "It's Nobody's Mandate and Everyone's Responsibility: Sexual Exploitation and the Sex Trade in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

More than 100 key informants were interviewed between December 2010 and April 2011.

Those key informants included "representatives of youth-serving agencies, aboriginal organizations, shelters, women's organizations, social workers, health-care providers, housing agencies, teachers, RCMP, RNC [Royal Newfoundland Constabulary] and the Department of Justice."

Researchers also interviewed victims of sexual exploitation.

The report made a number of recommendations, including programs to provide protection and support for those working in the sex trade, and suggestions to help workers trying to exit the industry.

CBC Investigates in Newfoundland and Labrador asked the province for a copy of the report.

But the Women’s Policy Office declined, saying the entire report is covered by an exemption in access-to-information law dealing with disclosures “harmful to individual or public safety.”  (more...)

Sex exploitation report deemed too ‘harmful’ to release

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