Victim says her face was 'unrecognizable' after beating by B.C. sex trafficker

The B.C. Supreme Court is seen in New Westminster, B.C., Saturday, Dec. 9, 2006. (THE CANADIAN PRESS / Richard Lam)

Warning: This story contains disturbing details

The victim of a sex trafficker in British Columbia says her face “was unrecognizable for months” after she was assaulted and sexually exploited by the woman.

Jennifer Stephens pleaded guilty last year to multiple charges, including assault causing bodily harm, unlawful confinement, sexual assault with a weapon and several other offences related to sex trafficking of a person under 18.

Crown lawyer Catherine Rose read the victim impact statement to a B.C. Supreme Court judge in New Westminster today during the woman’s sentencing hearing.

The statement said the victim, who can’t be named, suffered a concussion, severe bruising and cuts around her body and her face.

The statement said she suffers from severe panic and anxiety attacks and nightmares that she said feel so real, she can’t tell if she’s “awake or sleeping.”

The prosecution has asked for a 13-year prison sentence for Stephens, who the court heard yesterday inflicted violent beatings on the woman and boasted of a client list of 500 people that she refused to sell to other “pimps.”

The court is expected to hear from the second victim, who was 13 years old when she was trafficked, later Tuesday.

Police in Langley, B.C., started investigating the case in February 2023, beginning with a phone number that was linked to the 13-year-old girl who had been trafficked in Alberta and Kelowna, B.C.

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
• The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling.
• The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: [phone] or [phone] (24/7)
• Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: [phone] (24/7)
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone] (24/7)
• Trans Lifeline: [phone]
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
• Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: [phone]
• Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.

This report by Brieanna Charlebois, The Canadian Press, was first published June 9, 2026.