Sexual exploitation

Sexual exploitation is a complex issue, especially because of the various contexts in which it can occur (prostitution, erotic massage parlour, nude dance bar, etc.) and the criminal activities that can be associated with it (pimping, trafficking people for purposes of sexual exploitation, purchase of sexual services, etc.) Across its various manifestations, sexual exploitation generally involves a situation, a context, or a relationship where someone profits from the condition of vulnerability or addiction of someone else, or from a power imbalance, with the goal of the sexual use of this person’s body to gain an advantage. This can be a monetary, social or personal benefit, such as sexual gratification, or any other form of profit-taking. Victims of sexual exploitation include victims of trafficking for purposes of sexual exploitation.

Sexual harassment

Sexual harassment is offensive behaviour manifested by words, gestures or acts of a sexual nature that are repeated, hostile or unwanted, that violate the person's dignity or integrity and that makes their environment harmful to them. A single serious incident of this conduct can also be considered harassment if it has lasting effects on the person.

It can take the form of non-verbal behaviour, such as staring or whistling, or words, like sexist or dirty jokes, questions about a person’s intimate life, unwanted advances, threats, etc. Sexual harassment can also be physical, in the form of fondling, touching or other gestures of a sexual nature.