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Sex Trade Offender Program (STOP)

There is a new law. Read about it here
Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act

The Sex Trade Offender Program (STOP) is a post-court diversion program, formerly known as ‘john school’ for those charged with S. 286.1.1 CC (attempting to purchase sex services). It is for sex buyers who are charged for the first time, but others may attend as part of probation. Some men attend without being charged in a police operation. 

286.1 (1) Everyone who, in any place, obtains for consideration, or communicates with anyone for the purpose of obtaining for consideration, the sexual services of a person

Participants spend a full day hearing directly from the survivors, families, neighbourhoods and businesses that are harmed by their actions.

Topics covered include

  • Sex commodification and sex trafficking laws
  • Pimps, traffickers, and predators
  • Probation and your consequences
  • Health risks and facts
  • Voluntary STI testing
  • Healthy sexual behaviours & addictions
  • Impact of buying sex: self, family, neighbourhood, community
  • Impact of sexual exploitation on victim, survivor and family/parents

To be eligible for the program you must NOT have a history of violence and must NOT have a history of child exploitation.

If you have NOT been arrested, but think this program could help you, please contact us. You may be able to attend with a reduced fee. Call: 780 471-6143.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is an Adult Alternative Measures Program? What does this mean for me?
    You will not have a criminal record. Once you complete the program the charge will be withdrawn.
  2. Will I have a criminal record if I go to the Sex Trade Offender Program?
    No, because it is an approved Adult Alternative Measures Program. However, when you apply for a Security Clearance, it will state for 1 year that you have had “criminal involvement but dealt with by way of Alternative Measures.” It is your responsibility to explain this to whoever is requesting the security clearance.
  3. How much does the program cost?
    $750, which gets redistributed within the community and all money collected goes towards combating sexual exploitation within the City of Edmonton. A money-order payable to CEASE is required. We cannot accept a cheque, debit or credit card payment. A cash payment must be discussed first with Kate Quinn at 780.471.6143.
  4. Do I have to attend my court date after I have completed the Sex Trade Offender Program?
    It’s a good precaution to either attend, or have someone attend to you so that you are confident that your charge is withdrawn. There is always the potential for a slip-up in a big system.
  5. Can I go to STOP even if I have not been arrested but I know I have a problem cruising the internet or street looking for women?
    Yes, you can attend. Please call our office at 780.471.6137. Every year we have men attend without being arrested first.
  6. I think I have a problem. I want to stop, but, I don’t know how.
    There is help and there is hope for you. Check this section on sex addiction on our website for who to call or where to go for help. There are many resources in our city.