MYST - Mobile Youth Service Team
The Mobile Youth Service Team, MYST, was created 10
years ago to address the issue of Sexually Exploited Youth in the
CRD. At this time the "Team" consists of one police officer,
Cst. Theresa Tuttle. This position is funded by the area
Departments on a cost sharing basis. The position is an integrated
position and covers Sooke, Sidney, West Shore, Central Saanich,
Saanich, Oak Bay and Victoria jurisdictions. This position is a
plain clothes position and deals with high risk youth, from ages 13
to 18.
The main responsibilities of the MYST officer are:
- Designing and delivering educational presentations to the youth
and the community on Sexual Exploitation and drug awareness.
- Gathering of Criminal Intelligence on the activities of the
child sex workers and the activities of the pimps who exploit
children.
- Criminal enforcement - targeting pimps, "johns" and
recruiters.
- Working closely with the Youth Empowerment Society, Youth
Probation, street level outreach workers, school counselors, the
Boys and Girls Club and many other youth organizations in the
community.
- Supporting the youth at risk and their families.
- Monitoring youth court when possible, as well as assisting the
at risk youths through the court process.
Sexual Exploitation Definition:
Sexual Exploitation is the exchange
of any sexual act, by someone under the age of 18 for money, drugs,
food, shelter, transportation, love acceptance or any other
offer.
MYST - Mobile Youth Service Team
500 Park Place
Esquimalt, BC V9A 6Z9
Phone 250 995-7517
Cell 250 360-7314
Fax 250 995-7508
