We here at streetshit are saddend by this development but are glad to see the Ottawa Police Service putting the time and effort into putting a stop to this disturbing pattern.
(Ottawa)—Today,
Ottawa Police Service Chief Vern White made an important public
statement regarding concerns with women’s safety in light of a pattern
of homicides.
“I
am here at Minwaashin Lodge to speak to Ottawa residents about concerns
the Ottawa Police has for women’s safety as our Major Crime
investigators have recently identified a pattern with homicides
involving sex trade workers in our community.
In
light of this, I am asking women, particularly those involved in the
sex trade, to be vigilant and exercise good safety practices.
As you know, Minwaashin Lodge has one of the most comprehensive city-wide outreach services.
While
Minwaashin Lodge is an aboriginal organization, they do provide
assistance and support to all sex trade workers, regardless of culture
or ethnicity. Let me stress that my message today extends to all women.
I’m thankful that Minwaashin has opened its doors to us.
Ottawa Police has developed a community safety plan that includes:
- Speaking to you today and making a public safety announcement;
- Working in partnership with Minwaashin Lodge, Crime Prevention Ottawa and Salvation Army to highlight local resources and services available to women;
- The canvassing of Ottawa streets by Ottawa Police officers to talk with sex trade workers and provide them with relevant safety tips to ensure that they remain as safe as possible;
- Making a safety tips handout available for women (attached) at various locations in the City including Community Centres, Community Police Centres and our website;
- Making a safety tips handout specifically for sex trade workers (attached);
- Working with local agencies and partners to ensure community safety;
- Asking local media to play a key role in raising awareness about women’s safety.
Ottawa is one of the safest cities in the world and we have a
wide range of public and community services available to help women
stay safe. If you feel that your safety is being jeopardized, please
reach out and talk to someone you trust. The safety of all women,
including sex trade workers is important to us. My most important
message about safety is “Be aware, Be vigilant, Be safe”.
Thank you.”
Additional safety information can be found on the Ottawa Police’s website at: http://www.ottawapolice.ca.
You can report any suspicious persons or incidents in relation to women’s safety by calling:
- 9-1-1 (for life-threatening emergencies)
- 613-230-6211 (for other emergencies)
- Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477(TIPS) (anonymous & confidential)
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