North East Regional Stop Sexual Exploitation Team

What is NERSE?

NERSE is the North East Regional Stop Sexual Exploitation Team. We are a regional team working on addressing child sexual exploitation in north eastern Manitoba.

The winning design of our youth enamel pin design contest!

What is child sexual exploitation?

Child or Youth Sexual Exploitation is the act of coercing, luring, or engaging a child under the age of 18 into a sexual act and involvement in the sex trade or child sexual abuse material CSAM (formerly child pornography), with or without the child’s consent, in exchange for money, drugs, shelter, food, protection, or other necessities.

The sexual exploitation of children and youth is a serious concern in Manitoba. Children and youth who have been victims of sexual exploitation are victims of child sexual abuse. It is estimated that hundreds of children and youth are victims of sexual exploitation.

Regional Teams in Manitoba

Regional Sexual Exploitation Teams are working all across the province. These teams are a part of the Manitoba Sexual Exploitation Strategy, Tracia’s Trust.

What do Regional Teams do?

  • network and share information and best practices
  • identify issues of sexual exploitation (looking at the incidences and nature in their communities)
  • develop and implement regional initiatives
  • strengthen local, regional, provincial, and federal partnerships.

Annual Events

Stop Child Sexual Exploitation Week 

The second week in March is Manitoba’s annual Stop Child Sexual Exploitation Week. A week to raise awareness of the prevalence of sexual exploitation.

Stop Child Sexual Exploitation Week March 12-18, 2023

NERSSE acknowledged Stop Child Sexual Exploitation Week and Human Trafficking Awareness Day, March 16th, but “Shedding Light” on this issue that happens to thousands of Manitoban children and youth each year. Lights and posters were distributed to 15 community agencies and businesses throughout the north-eastern region of Manitoba and hung in publicly visible spaces, to inform more people about the prevalence of human trafficking and providing resources.

Poster with QR code, a picture of a lit candle, and text. "Shed Light on the Issue. March 16th, Human Trafficking Awareness Day"

Grandmother’s Walk

The annual Grandmother’s Walk is an all-inclusive awareness initiative which promotes unity and healing through Ceremony. It takes place annually and brings together Regional Team members, communities, social service organizations and allies under the wisdom and guidance of local Elders.

Sagkeeng and Powerview – Pine Falls 

October 4, 2022 – 10am – 1pm
We met at the Anglican Church and walking to Sagkeeng Arena
Light lunch provided
Hosted by Manitoba Harm Reduction Network

Who is NERSE?

The North East Regional Stop Sexual Exploitation Team is currently composed of representatives from:

  • Survivor’s Hope Crisis Centre
  • Wings of Power
  • Hollow Water First Nation
  • Sagkeeng Health Centre
  • Manitoba Harm Reduction Network
  • École Powerview School
  • Interlake Eastern Regional Health Authority
  • Government of Manitoba

Please contact us if you are interested in joining our team!

For more information about NERSE, view our brochure or contact:

Coral Kendel, NERSE Chair 
Phone: 204-272-8835 (direct line)
Email: executivedirector@survivors-hope.ca

Support 

Online Dangers: Cyberbullying and Online Child Sexual Exploitation
On February 8, 2022, Public Safety Canada held a virtual panel event. Watch the recording here: canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/campaigns/online-child-sexual-exploitation/online-dangers-cyberbullying-online-child-sexual-exploitation.html

Human Trafficking Hotline:  – 1-844-333-2211
This line provides 24/7 support and non-judgemental, trauma-informed counselling to trafficked persons, and anyone else affected by trafficking such as service providers, family, friends and co-workers.
For more information: klinic.mb.ca/crisis-support/human-trafficking-hotline-information/ 

Canadian Centre for Child Protection
National charity dedicated to the personal safety of children. 
Website: protectchildren.ca

Cyber Tips
Canada’s National Tipline for Reporting the online sexual exploitation of children
Website (to report): cybertip.ca
To view the latest Cyber Tip alert: cybertip.ca/app/en/ctipalerts

Missing Kids 
Provides families support in finding their missing child and provides educational material to help prevent children from going missing.
Website: missingkids.ca

Project Arachnid 
Is an innovative tool to combat the growing proliferation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on the internet.
Website: projectarachnid.ca 

Protect Kids Online
Website providing free online safety information for parents/guardians of children and teens.
Website: protectkidsonline.ca 

Kids in the Know
A educational program that teaches children personal safety skills for educators and parents/guardians.
Website: kidsintheknow.ca

Don’t Get Sextorted
Provides information to teens about sextortion.
Website: dontgetsextorted.ca

Need Help Now
Provides support to teens to help stop the spread of sexual pictures or videos.
Website: needhelpnow.ca 

Commit to Kids
Resource and online training for child serving organizations.
Website: commit2kids.ca 

Stop Sex with Kids
Manitoba’s Strategy: Responding to Children and Youth Involved in Sexual Exploitation.
Website: stopsexwithkids.ca

Survivor’s Hope Crisis Centre – SARAH Program 

Sexual Assault Recovery and Healing (SARAH) Workers are trained advocates that support people who have just experienced sexual assault. SARAH Workers are available 24/7 through RCMP detachments and emergency departments for those in the Eastern Region of Manitoba.

Sexual Assault Recovery and Healing (SARAH) Counselling and Support Program – provides free counselling to anyone 15 and older in the Interlake Eastern Region of Manitoba who has experienced teen or adult sexual violence.

For more information: survivors-hope.ca/sarah/

More Information Regarding Manitoba Sexual Exploitation Strategy