Jacquie Meyer, Founder and Executive Director of HER Victory, is leading a crucial fight against sexual exploitation and human trafficking in Calgary. Established in 2019 and becoming an independent charity in late 2023, HER Victory operates in the Forest Lawn area, one of the last known prostitution strolls in the city. The organization is dedicated to supporting and advocating for women caught in the sex trade, those at risk of being trafficked, or already exploited. Through outreach efforts in illegal massage parlours, women’s prisons, and local communities, HER Victory aims to build trusting relationships with these vulnerable women, offering them hope, choices, and a path to transformation.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
HER Victory is a nonprofit organization located in the Forest Lawn area of Calgary, on one of the last known prostitution strolls in the city. We are dedicated to advocating for and supporting women caught in the sex trade, exploited, or at risk of being trafficked. Our outreach extends into illegal massage parlours, women’s prisons, and the local community, where we work to build trusting relationships with these women. We want them to know they are loved and have choices. By empowering them to make life-changing decisions, we create a ripple effect of hope and transformation that reaches far beyond our initial contact.
What problem does it aim to solve?
HER Victory is committed to addressing the urgent issue of sexual exploitation and human trafficking in Calgary. By being on the frontlines, we meet the immediate needs of women caught in the sex trade or at risk of being trafficked, offering them safety, support, and essential resources. Our goal is to disrupt the cycle of exploitation, helping these women regain their sense of dignity and guiding them toward a future where they can thrive independently. Through our targeted outreach and advocacy, we aim to empower women and challenge the structures that enable exploitation to continue.
When did you start/join it?
HER Victory began its outreach under the Victory Foundation in 2019, responding to a growing and urgent need for services to support women involved in the sex trade. As the demand for comprehensive care and support increased, HER Victory stepped up to meet these needs. In late 2023, HER Victory assumed leadership of Next Step Ministries, establishing itself as an independent charity with its own charitable number. Despite this transition, HER Victory continues to work in close partnership with Eastside Victory Outreach, ensuring that those at risk receive the critical help they need.
What made you want to get involved?
I was drawn to get involved with HER Victory because of the profound need to support women who are often overlooked and marginalized in our society. Many of these women feel like sex work is their only option, despite the fact that it is often violent and deeply traumatic. We know these women need a place to go where they are not judged or shamed for what they do, and I wanted to be part of a solution that shows them there are alternatives. Seeing the impact that exploitation and trafficking have on individuals and communities, I felt compelled to contribute to a cause that provides not just immediate aid, but also long-term empowerment and restoration. The opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of these women, helping them reclaim their dignity and rebuild their futures, is what truly motivated me to join this cause.
What was the situation like when you started?
When HER Victory first started, the environment was challenging and complex. We were stepping into areas of Calgary, like the Forest Lawn neighbourhood where exploitation was rampant, and many women were caught in cycles of addiction and abuse. There was a noticeable lack of resources and support for these women, who often felt trapped with no way out.
At that time, and still now actually, very few organizations have addressed the immediate and long-term needs of these women. The situation called for urgent, frontline intervention-providing not just basic necessities but also a way forward. We had to work hard to build trust, establish connections, and create a safe space for women to turn to, without fear of judgement or shame. Starting in this challenging landscape shaped our mission and approach, driving us to become a reliable source of support and hope for these women who needed it most.
How has it changed since?
Since HER Victory began, the landscape has evolved significantly. We’ve made considerable progress in building trust within the community and have established ourselves as a vital resource for women seeking to escape the cycle of exploitation. Our outreach has expanded, not only continuing our work in areas like the Forest Lawn neighbourhood but also expanding our presence in illegal massage parlours and the women’s prison.
We’ve built key partnerships with other agencies, enhancing our ability to provide comprehensive support and resources. One of the most impactful collaborations has been with the Calgary Police Service, where we’ve worked together on initiatives like the Bad Date reporting system. This system allows sex workers to anonymously report incidents of violence or other safety concerns, helping to create a safer environment and offering crucial support to them in vulnerable situations.
Additionally, we’ve strengthened our team by adding a social worker and a crisis/trauma counsellor, allowing us to offer more specialized and immediate support to those in need. With these advancements, more women are now aware that there are safe, judgment-free spaces available to them, where they can access immediate needs and start the journey towards healing and restoration. While the challenges of exploitation remain, we’re grateful we’ve been able to expand our team and continue to grow in our expertise, allowing us to refine our approach and ensure that our efforts are even more impactful in meeting the evolving needs of the women we serve.
What more needs to be done?
Despite the progress we’ve made, there’s still much more to be done to combat exploitation and support those affected by it. One critical area that requires ongoing attention is the expansion of long-term support services. While we provide immediate care and crisis intervention, many women require ongoing assistance, including housing, education, job training, and mental health services. Strengthening our partnerships with other agencies and securing more funding will be crucial to developing these long-term solutions.
Another pressing need is to enhance our outreach. We need to reach more women in vulnerable situations, especially those who are isolated or hidden from view, such as in strip clubs, on the streets downtown, and increasingly, online where much of the exploitation now occurs. Expanding our resources to cover more areas and provide more consistent support is essential.
Additionally, public awareness and education are vital components of our mission. Many people in our community are unaware of the realities of sex work and exploitation, often viewing them through a lens of stigma or misunderstanding. By continuing to educate the public and advocating for systemic change, we can help shift perceptions and create a more supportive environment for those seeking to leave the sex trade.
Finally, addressing the root causes of exploitation, such as poverty, addiction, and lack of education, remains a significant challenge. To truly break the cycle, we need to focus not only on immediate interventions but also on preventative measures that can help women avoid exploitation in the first place. This requires a holistic approach, combining direct support with advocacy for broader social change.
In summary, while we’ve made great strides, the fight against exploitation is far from over. Expanded outreach, long-term support, public education, and preventative efforts are needed to ensure that all women have the opportunity to live safe, empowered lives.
How can our readers help?
There are several ways our readers can get involved and make a difference in the fight against exploitation.
Promoting Safety and Reducing Exploitation: Supporting efforts to end exploitation includes understanding the impact of purchasing sex. By choosing not to engage in this behaviour, we can collectively reduce demand and help create a safer environment for those vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation. Everyone deserves to live free from harm and coercion.
1) Donate: Financial contributions are vital to sustaining and expanding our programs. These women need specialized support, and having trained staff is key to providing trauma-informed care and helping them take steps toward healing. Donations help us ensure that our team has the expertise necessary to offer effective crisis intervention, counselling, and safe housing. Every dollar makes a difference in the lives of the women we serve.
2) Raise Awareness: Sharing our mission with your network is a powerful way to help. By educating others about the realities of exploitation and the work we do, you can help change perceptions and build a more supportive community.
3) In-Kind Donations: While financial donations are incredibly impactful, we also accept in-kind donations of goods that directly benefit the women we serve. Items like toiletries, clothing, and gift cards can help meet immediate needs.
4) Promote Safety & Reduce Exploitation: Supporting efforts to end exploitation includes understanding the impact of purchasing sex. By choosing not to engage in this behaviour, we can collectively reduce demand and help create a safer environment for those vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation. Everyone deserves to live free from harm and coercion.
5) Pray: For those who are spiritually inclined, your prayers for the women we serve and for our team are deeply appreciated.
Where can we follow you?
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