The program
We believe that collaboration between institutional and community organisations is an integral part of the support provided to youth throughout their process of change, the support needed to bring an end to their sexually exploitative situation.
Since 2017, the Sphères program targets youth aged 12 to 24 who have, either in the past or the present, experienced sexual exploitation.
Participation is voluntary and follows an approach that is based on respect, prioritises safety, and is adapted to the youth’s rhythm and needs.
The program helps participants build their identity and develop their power to act by offering a continuum of services and opportunities for self-discovery.
The Statistics
Sphères is the only program in Montreal working with minors experiencing sexual exploitation. Results from preliminary research on the program reveal a diversity of positive impacts :
- Decreased sense of failure and fear of failure;
- Increased sense of security regarding support from others;
- Decreased maladaptive cognitive schemas and the development of a better adapted perception of the world, of others, and of themselves;
- Reduced post-traumatic stress symptoms;
- Strengthened social support for the youth;
- Improved capacity in identifying risk factors associated with exchanging sexual services.
A concerted and integrated action
The Sphères program is a concerted and integrated action, the only of its kind in Quebec. This model is based on intersectional collaboration that faciliates proactive and personalised support of the participants. The combination of expertise offered by the six institutional and community partners assures care for these youth that spans 360°.
The program relies on the implication of six Montreal partners : En Marge 12-17, L’Anonyme, Fondation Marie-Vincent, CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’île-de-Montréal – Programme jeunesse, CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’île-de-Montréal – Programme jeunesse and Service de police de la Ville de Montréal – Programme les Survivantes.
Media
«Je suis devenue quelqu’un» (I became someone)
La Presse article published on August 7, 2021
https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/2021-08-07/l-autre-epidemie/je-suis-devenue-quelqu-un.php
Lancement du programme Sphères : 2,2 M$ octroyés par le gouvernement du Canada (Launch of the Sphères program: $2.2 million granted by the Government of Canada)
Government of Canada press release of August 26, 2019
https://www.canada.ca/fr/securite-publique-canada/nouvelles/2019/08/le-gouvernement-du-canada-vient-en-aide-aux-jeunes-victimes-dexploitation-sexuelle-a-montreal.html
Trafic (Traffic)
Documentary produced by Télé-Québec and broadcast in May 2021
https://enclasse.telequebec.tv/emission/Trafic-capsules-Web/3071#