It's not just a big city problem. Perpetrators may use your hotel or motel to carry out this type of child abuse without your knowledge.
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 owners, managers or staff.
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.
Teach your staff to talk to their supervisor if they see or hear something that doesn’t look right, and to call 1.800.387.KIDS (5437) or the local police.
Individuals who are involved in child sexual exploitation and human trafficking are often involved in other illegal activities like selling drugs – none 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.
