Calgary sex workers can report ‘Bad Dates’ through new program
Posted May 30, 2023 2:25 pm.
A new service between Calgary police and a sex worker advocacy organization will provide a place for those working in the local industry to report bad and unsafe experiences.
The Bad Date Line is a partnership between city authorities and HER Victory, an organization that serves individuals who are involved with prostitution, caught in the sex trade, exploited, or at risk of being trafficked.
A dedicated phone number (403-816-9400) and email address (baddate@calgarypolice.ca) can be used by individuals to report situations involving harmful, violent, and/or abusive customers, as well as incidents of victimization and other safety concerns, police said in a release.
Authorities add this information won’t be used to target sex workers, but instead for police to target individuals causing harm to them.
“Historically, we know crimes against sex workers are underreported to police for a variety of reasons,” said Acting Staff Sgt. Shelby Stewart from the CPS District 4 General Investigations Unit.
“Our intent with this initiative is to reduce barriers that may have prevented sex workers from reporting to police in the past and provide alternative options for them to report information to us.”
Calgary police say it has worked closely with HER Victory to launch the program.
Read more: Man faces 13 counts for sexual assault, kidnapping women: Calgary police
The organization’s founder thanked the police for undertaking the initiative to “protect those facing exploitation in our city.”
“Together, this will enable those caught in the sex trade to confidentially report incidents, create safe working spaces, and reduce the gap between victims and police,” said Jacquie Meyer. “Sexual violence is frequently underreported, this creates a safe and effective way for individuals to disclose information and receive support.”
The Bad Date Line and email address won’t be monitored 24/7, so those facing immediate danger should call 911.
Also, anyone who needs to report a sexual assault to the police as soon as possible should do so at 403-266-1234.
This new program comes as a man faces several charges for allegedly kidnapping, drugging, and sexually assaulting multiple women working in Calgary’s sex trade.
Richard Roberta Mantha, 59, has been charged with more than 20 offences against five different victims.
Additional resources for victims of sexual assault are available through Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse, 211 Alberta, and Alberta One-Line for Sexual Violence.
More information on the Bad Date Line program can be found at calgary.ca/bad-date
