I want to start by saying that I know that law enforcement are coming from a good place and they're trying to do the best job they can. It's a flawed system.
When we talk about creating anti-trafficking training, it has to also include nuanced training for law enforcement to understand the difference between consensual sex work and sex trafficking and to understand a trauma-informed response—that is, how to talk to someone who has experienced extreme trauma and is currently in crisis. Without that level of training I think most frontline agencies...and it's certainly something we have experienced at ACT Alberta. We do our best to screen the law enforcement agents who we know will be engaging with survivors. We're fortunate enough to have incredible partners whom we trust, but we screen them because trauma-informed care isn't part of the RCMP's mandatory training, to my knowledge.
There is a cultural response that is an element of it. The other side of it is the fact that the systems and laws in place, and the way that we handle people with precarious status in Canada, is such that speaking to law enforcement may risk further trauma out of the gate. They may literally be deported before they can even access any services.
There are multiple things that I think many folks on this panel have covered. Ms. Stone brought up some great points about legalities and the legal structure. I'm sorry; that was Ms. Kim. We have to look at the cultural practices and the training but also the larger legal structures that have an immediate effect on folks seeking support.
I'm not sure if I completely answered your question. Did I?