Group tackles Sudbury sex trade issues

A cross-section of Sudbury community groups wants to find ways to deal with the issues that come with sex trade work.

On Thursday, a street-level prostitution committee will meet at police headquarters to address the concerns.

Vicki Kett is no stranger to this debate. She's the manager of Community Services with the Access Network — a group that works with prostitutes.

"There has been some huge things, like put better lighting downtown and stuff like that," Kett said. "But really, we have to look at the needs for the women … so they can exit off the street if they choose."

More than 10 groups are expected to attend the meeting, including the Samaritan Centre and Crimestoppers. Former prostitutes, the Crown and concerned residents could also be in attendance.

Distraught residents

Kett said women involved in prostitution need help with their problems, not incarceration. She noted that "sending them off to jail [is] not going to be the quick fix," when it comes to dealing with issues of "abandonment, addiction, [and] really tragic pasts."

The spin-off of dealing with the root causes of prostitution could be fewer Sudburians who are upset with prostitution in their neighbourhoods.

Sudbury councillor Frances Caldarelli has been fielding many calls from distraught residents.

"They're complaining that, in their neighbourhood, they're finding condoms and used needles," she said. "That doesn't make for happy residents."

Residential complaints will be one of several issues this new committee will address. The committee is a provincial pilot project spearheaded by Sudbury police.