New app designed to help sexually exploited youth
- EFN Staff | December 01, 2015
EGADZ (Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre) has unveiled a Cyber Outreach initiative “I Am Not for Sale”, as a means of addressing violence and abuse against women and youth. A new website, www.IAmNot4Sale.ca, and app were developed by youth to help vulnerable individuals who are sexually exploited and trafficked through social media.
The free app provides immediate access to 24 hour resources with confidential, appropriate supports that offer safe and positive solutions and, when necessary, access to an immediate community agency response.
EGADZ partnered with the Government of Saskatchewan, the Canadian Women’s Foundation and the Saskatoon Sexual Exploitation Intervention Committee to develop social media tools that can provide critical support to this vulnerable population.
“For people experiencing violence and abuse, it can be daunting to reach out for help without fear of repercussions,” Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for the Status of Women Donna Harpauer said. “This website and app will allow those who reach out for help to be anonymous as they access supports and services. Our government is proud to partner with EGADZ and other organizations to help prevent sexual exploitation and violence against vulnerable women and youth.”
“Because of the dedication of the Youth Intervention Committee members, our most vulnerable population can come out of the dark, to a confidential, safe, secure environment that can offer help at a click of a button,” EGADZ Executive Director Don Meikle said.
Sally McKenzie worked extensively on the project and she is very proud of the product they have and the support it offers to youth. “It is very hard to reach out for help when you are a youth. I know because I had that problem too,” said McKenzie who has been with Egadz for about three months. “I was afraid or embarrassed to ask for help. To launch the app today is a good feeling.”
The website and app were created by 2web Design. The app allows you to call for
help or report a violent encounter or offender or access information on helping
agencies.