Coming this September (2020)- Click here for the University of Toronto Press catalogue page.

Preface

All the flowers might die, the grass might die, but the thistle will live. That explains women.  – Paige, a sex trafficking survivor, talking about survivors.

In the modern world of internet connectedness, we no longer have the excuse of isolation for our inability, or unwillingness, to participate in the global discourse around fundamental human rights, including what is happening in our own backyards. This book is my contribution to bridging the knowledge gap on one of humankind’s most persistent and deplorable social scourges, the sexual exploitation of our youth. For those who want to contribute to change, this is a road map for community-wide engagement around social issues, and a deeper understanding of sex trafficking and exploitation and how to intervene and, perhaps, one day eradicate it. 
          I am grateful to the many participants who agreed to be interviewed for this research. Sexual exploitation and human trafficking are not easy matters to discuss, particularly for survivors, many of whom have dedicated their lives to helping others escape exploitation and abuse. I thank these people for opening their hearts and revealing their compelling stories for the greater good of preventing exploitation and assisting others to escape the sex industry. 
          I thank Dr. Sean Byrne, who has been a great role model, mentor, teacher, and source of inspiration and guidance through my educational journey. As a person who left school to join the workforce at fifteen years old, I have a deep appreciation of the life-long students and mentors who have inspired me. One of my hopes for this book is that it will encourage others to continue their education throughout life. I also acknowledge the influence that the discipline of Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) has had on my work. As a police officer, and throughout my studies, I’ve come to appreciate PACS for its focus on social justice, human rights, and peacebuilding, which is consistent with the focus of my life’s work, striving to increase community safety and to reduce victimization.
          I have saved my greatest debt for the last: I thank my children, Crystal, Chelsea, Brandi, and Bobby, and my wife, Barb, for their years of encouragement through my journey to add to the public discourse on social justice. Without the support of my family and friends, the years of work that culminate in this book would not have been possible.