WHAT IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING?
Human trafficking is a form of modern day slavery.
Human
trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation, harbouring and/
or exercising
control, direction or influence over the movements of a
person in order to exploit that person, typically through sexual
exploitation or forced labour.
Human trafficking is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
In reality, most of the people trafficked in Ontario are girls and women who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. While human trafficking is a vastly under-reported crime, Ontario is a major centre for human trafficking in Canada, about two-thirds of reported cases arising in Ontario. e
Traffickers control people in many ways, including psychological manipulation, lies, emotional abuse, addiction, threats, violence, isolation, taking control of id/documents and money.
In
many cases, victims are reluctant to come forward and report human
trafficking due to manipulation, fear, threats from traffickers, shame,
language barriers, mistrust of authorities or may not realize
that they are victims of human trafficking.
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING
SAY SOMETHING
TOGETHER WE CAN END
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
SIGNS SOMEONE MAY BE TRAFFICKED
*Withdrawing from friends and family
*Being secretive about their activity
*Suddenly spending time with an older person or people
*Absences from school or a decline in school performance
*Staying out more often
*Unaware of their situation
*Always in the presence of someone else
*Suddenly having new or second phone with a secret number
*Fearful, anxious, submissive
While no single indicator is proof of human trafficking, these signs are a few that may alert you to potential human trafficking.
Who is at Risk of Human Trafficking?
*Most people who are trafficked for sex are women and girls, but boys, men and people who are LGBTQI2S are also targeted
*The age of recruitment is as low as 12 or 13
*Homeless and marginalized youth are targeted by sex traffickers
*Youth who struggle with low self-esteem, bullying, discrimination, poverty,abuse,isolation and other social and family issues may be targeted
*Indigenous women and girls are especially likely to be targeted
*Addiction, mental health issues and developmental disabilities are also risk factors
Help for Victims of Human Trafficking
Call 9-1-1 for all emergency situations such as threats of violence, physical assault and/or emergency medical needs.
The Brantford Police Service CASA ( Child Abuse and Sexual Assault) Unit are responsible for assisting victims and investigating incidents related to Human Trafficking. To report a case of Human Trafficking call the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050.
Victim Services of Brant is confidential and free of charge. Anyone may contact the office directly for services, referrals are not necessary. Call 519-752-3140 or email victim services
Chrysalis Anti-Human Trafficking Network offers a free, confidential telephone trauma counselling and ongoing service and support to women, men, and youth who have been trafficked/exploited for the purposes of commercial sex or forced labour.
Related Websites
Ontario's Strategy to End Human Trafficking
Victim Services of Brant
National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking – Canada is not Immune
Chrysalis Anti-Human Trafficking Network
