In Quebec, the average age of entry into prostitution is 14 years old. Nearly 80% of adult women in the sex industry started these activities when they were minors. The vast majority of prostitutes are under the control of pimps.

Pimping is the act of compelling a person, by force, manipulation or persuasion, to sell their sexual services with the intent to obtain a profit. The pimp commits a criminal act, according to sections 286.2 and 286.3 of the Criminal Code, if he or she attempts to benefit materially from the commercialization of the sexual services of others, to advertise them or to induce a person to sell his or her sexual services. These offenses carry maximum penalties of 5 to 14 years of imprisonment.

Pimps are of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. They are mostly young men between the ages of 18 and 34. However, girls and teenagers are also involved. The pimp is usually someone known or close to the victim. He uses manipulation, seduction and persuasion to get his target into prostitution. Violence occurs when the victim resists his control. He will use all means necessary to isolate his target to gain control, and gradually desensitize her by dissociating her from her body and better exploit her sexually.

In Canada, prostitution is not legal. Since 2014, under section 286.1 of the Criminal Code, it is strictly forbidden to purchase sexual services and to communicate for this purpose. Violators face 6 months to 10 years of imprisonment and risk having a criminal record as well as being placed on the Sex Offender Registry.

The consequences of prostitution are numerous: physical and psychological violence, post-traumatic stress disorder, sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies, loss of self-esteem, dropping out of school, drug and alcohol use, isolation, anxiety , phobias, depression, suicide, dissociative disorder, fear, hypervigilance, anorexia and/or bulimia, insomnia, gynecological problems, arthritis, fibromyalgia, vaginal and anal injuries, difficulty in resuming a healthy sex life, etc.

If you think you are under the control of a pimp, ask for help. Do not live in fear and silence! Free yourself, you’re better than that!