It is exploitation awareness week in Edmonton, and the city is taking time to focus on the issues that make prostitution the only choice for many men and women.
Along with mental health and addiction issues, organizer Kate Quinn said many continue to turn to prostitution due to homelessness, job loss or just a lack of money to pay bills.
"Many of the visible exploited people on the street have mental health and addictions, so we haven't not turned the corner yet, however, we as a city, province community and police, we're building, the capacity and the resources to tackle this on all fronts," said Kate Quinn.
Police estimate there could be up to 600 sexually exploited individuals in Edmonton during any given year, including children.
