REAL WOMEN OF CANADA includes in our definition of pornography any material which depicts violence, uses children in a sexual context, depicts degradation of human beings or sexually explicit acts.

      Our concern lies in the fact that pornographic material separates sex from a loving, conjugal relationship.  Thus, the men and women involved become objects to satisfy sexual desires.  Further, much of pornographic material would appear to be exploitative of women -- viewing them as mere objects or possessions to be used as a man sees fit.  Police experience and academic research indicate that this mentality directly contributes to the escalating problem of rape and of battered women in society.  This demeaning portrayal of women occurs also in ìsoft pornî or sexually explicit material.  Recent studies indicate that to view explicit sexual material or ìsoft pornî is not harmless, as it results in an increased desire for stronger material and a lessening of concern for women and children, as well as discourages monogamous family life.

      There has been a sharp increase in child pornography, with almost one-quarter of all pornography using children.  Accompanying this has been an alarming rise in the reports of direct sexual assault on children.  Unfortunately, the psychological effects of sexual abuse and exploitation of children are felt long into adulthood, and even for a lifetime, causing traumatic emotional damage.  Then, too, the number of children disappearing annually is escalating, leading to growing fears that these children are abducted to participate in "kiddy porn" enterprises.  Some children do turn up later as murder victims, following sexual assaults.

      The acceptance of pornography in society, which includes violence and the degradation of women and children as well as sexually exploitative acts, indicates that violence is acceptable and is a legitimate means of achieving ends or expressing feelings.

      Recent studies also indicate that pornography may well encourage deviant sexual behaviour by triggering a latent disposition for deviant sex or actually creating an appetite for deviant sex.

      In summary, REAL WOMEN OF CANADA  recommends that the provisions in the Criminal Code against pornography be strengthened so as to prohibit both soft and hard core pornography, and that specific legislation be passed to make child pornography illegal.