The sexual enslavement of women and children is a global human rights issue in our own backyard. Manitobans and Canadians need not look to countries notorious for human trafficking for sexual exploitation, like Thailand, or developing countries, they only need to look at the streets of Winnipeg and other cities, especially those in Western Canada.

Manitoba needs more safe places geared to sexually exploited youths when they don't have any supports at home and want to get off the streets, a panel of experts said yesterday.

Sexual abuse comes in many forms. That's part of what a few hundred cops, court employees and social service workers who crammed into the Fort Garry Hotel this past week learned during the annual conference sponsored by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. They also came to share their insights that surround the hyper-sexualization of children, something that makes most of us cringe and sometimes, just tune out.

The 1870s was a colourful time for Winnipeg, an era when the city shared the title as the most wicked in the country with, of all places, Barrie, Ont.

It is a commonly accepted myth that children and youth involved in the sex trade have chosen that life. Reality is that these children are being manipulated and sexually exploited because they are vulnerable.

Tracia Owen was only 14 years old when she hanged herself in an abandoned Victor Street garage, ending a life filled with turmoil, drug use and sexual exploitation. Now, three years after her tragic death, a strategy named in her honour aims to protect other youth from suffering a similar fate.

Joined by police, service agencies and Aboriginal organizations, the province is launching Phase 2 of a sexual exploitation strategy called Tracia's Trust in honour of Tracia Owen, Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.

Winnipeg - Child Find Manitoba, along with Manitoba Family Services and Housing, launched a provocative awareness and community action campaign today that highlights the impact of child sexual exploitation on its victims.