December 1, 2015
Today, EGADZ (Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre) unveiled its 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.
The Cyber Outreach initiative is an example of existing partnerships between government and internal and external stakeholders to support violence prevention and awareness initiatives across the province.
Other examples include:
EGADZ has been operating a youth centre in downtown Saskatoon since 1990. It is a non-profit, community-based organization that provides programs and services to children, youth and their families in making healthy choices that improve their quality of life.
For more information on programs offered through EGADZ, please visit www.egadz.ca or call 1-306-931-6644.
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For more information, contact:
Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca
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