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June 27, 2003

EXAMINING BARRIERS FACING WOMEN INVOLVED IN PROSTITUTION: GRANT

Ottawa  --  The Prostitution Action and Awareness Foundation of Edmonton (PAAFE) will receive a $71,107 grant for the first phase of a 12-month research initiative to address some of the most acute barriers facing women involved in prostitution. The Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Health, and Member of Parliament for Edmonton West, announced the grant today on behalf of the Honourable Jean Augustine, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women).

"Various socio-economic factors bar women in the sex trade from full participation in society," said Minister McLellan. "These women require resources and the support of groups such as the PAAFE in order to safely and successfully leave prostitution behind."

"Prostitution creates tremendous isolation that takes a devastating toll," said Ms. Augustine. "I am pleased this grant will be used to generate greater visibility for a group whose views and voices have long been neglected."

The PAAFE will work with key stakeholders, particularly women with past and present involvement in prostitution, in order to examine the impact of criminal sanctions against women in the sex trade. The "Strategy Toward the Elimination of Systemic Barriers for Women with Past and Present Involvement in Prostitution" also calls for an exploration of the limited access to safe and affordable housing in Edmonton and its impact on women's safety, well-being and ability to exit prostitution. The research results will inform an awareness campaign to raise the visibility of the situation of women who are, or who have been, involved in prostitution. The research will be used in the creation of an action plan for the second phase of the initiative.

The PAAFE works through community partnership to reduce harm and to find long-term solutions to the complex issue of street prostitution. The organization provides programs such as the Prostitution Offender Program, or John School, and public awareness and education initiatives. The PAAFE also provides funding to help with the economic needs of women in transition, to help women realize their academic goals and to receive counseling.

Status of Women Canada is the federal government department working to promote gender equality and the full participation of all women in the economic, social, cultural and political life of Canada.

Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2003 budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.