Burnaby RCMP is currently conducting an investigation following an incident where a sex worker was forcibly restrained and robbed at gunpoint.
The police have classified this as a case of forcible confinement, with two male suspects implicated.
According to officers, the victim did not sustain any physical injuries during the event, which took place in a residence in North Burnaby on August 15.
“This was a frightening experience for the victim, and we aim to keep the community informed about this occurrence, especially those involved in sex work,” stated Sgt. Kyle Kifferling from the Burnaby RCMP Investigative Support Team.
“Our Victim Services Unit is also involved in this case to provide support and resources, while investigators continue their efforts to identify and apprehend the suspects.”
Sex worker rights advocates participated in a rally in 2023. (CBC)
A Cause for Alarm
Advocates for sex workers describe the incident as deeply troubling.
“I can’t fathom what that individual must be experiencing,” expressed Crystal Laderas, the communications manager for the non-profit SWAN Vancouver.
“Everyone deserves the right to perform their job without encountering this level of violence, regardless of their profession.”
Laderas highlighted that such occurrences are all too frequent, and her organization is developing an abuser alert to inform others about this specific case.
“This type of crime is among the most prevalent within our community,” she noted.
Laderas further stated that victims often hesitate to report such incidents due to their vulnerable circumstances. Many are migrants who fear deportation if they reach out to authorities.
She urged that police should directly connect with advocacy groups if they wish to alert sex workers about potential threats.
<p"Sadly, the first we learned of this incident was through media coverage," she remarked.
Literature regarding sex work is displayed on a shelf at SWAN Vancouver’s offices on March 17, 2021. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Legal Perspective
Cecilia Benoit, a sociology professor at the University of Victoria, emphasized that current laws present obstacles for sex workers seeking assistance.
The Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act, enacted in 2014, criminalizes the purchase of sexual services while providing immunity to those selling them.
“It doesn’t criminalize sex workers, allowing them to engage in their work [but] it does penalize clients and other facets of sex work,” Benoit explained.
“The legislation itself imposes barriers to the safety of sex workers and hampers their ability to seek help when in distress.”
She added that sex workers rely on law enforcement for their safety, yet officers are also responsible for enforcing the law.
“It’s a paradox,” she stated.
Benoit mentioned that there have been reductions in community support resources for sex workers in the area.
For instance, she pointed to the City of Vancouver’s decision to eliminate one of its two sex worker safety planner positions back in April.
At that time, the city communicated that some responsibilities of the safety planner role had “evolved over time” to be managed by other city departments.
“As a result, the opportunities for sex workers to support each other and obtain services outside of direct police involvement have been limited or reduced,” Benoit explained.
“This situation places them in a very precarious position when confronted with individuals who may attempt to rob or harm them.”