The AHLA is pleased to work with Alberta Children and Youth Services to educate our members and their staff about child sexual exploitation. Our members must be made aware of the possibility that their properties could be used for exploitation of children.
This campaign will give the people who work in our industry the information and tools they need to prevent this kind of child abuse in our hotels and motels.
Child sexual exploitation occurs when a child under 18 is involved in a sexual act in exchange for money, food, shelter, or any other consideration. Perpetrators may use hotels and motels to carry out this type of child abuse without the knowledge of the owners, managers or staff.
As an owner or manager, there are things you can do to make your property unattractive to the people who perpetrate this crime:
Restrict unregistered persons in guest rooms between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Require guests and visitors to use the property's main entrance, if you have one.
Require staff to perform daily room checks and walk the hallways and building perimeter.
Encourage staff to make eye contact with guests and inquire about their reason for being at the property.
Share information about suspicious individuals or activities with other properties in your area.
Individuals who are involved in child sexual exploitation are often involved in other illegal activities like selling drugs – neither of these activities are good for your business!
The AHLA and the Government of Alberta have put together a toolkit to help you and your staff understand the issue of child sexual exploitation, the signs to watch for, and what to do if they see something suspicious. Please visit http://www.child.alberta.ca/home/1198.cfm to access campaign materials.
