As more professionals in Brandon learn how to identify signs of sexual exploitation and trafficking, advocates say rural Manitoba residents looking to escape exploitation still lack the support they need.

Lisa Noctor is an outreach co-ordinator with the Gakina Abinoojiiyag Program, or GAP — an outreach and homelessness prevention program for vulnerable youth operated by the Brandon Friendship Centre. She says while education is a critical step forward, southwestern Manitoba lacks the kind of imp…