Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is when a person is manipulated, controlled, or forced to do things against their will. These things could be forced sex work, forced labor, or forced criminal activity.

Traffickers are strategic in how they recruit individuals. They may go to places where they can meet young people, like malls or shelters, but there has been a rise in the use of social media as a recruiting tool. In fact, one study showed that 82% of child sex crimes start with social media contact (NSPCC, 2023).

Some signs that someone might be being trafficked are:

• Have few or no personal possessions
• Lack money or identification
• Possess a second cell phone
• Show signs of exhaustion and/or addiction
• Seem disoriented and unaware of time and place
• Appear unusually fearful, anxious, or irritable
• Be secretive about where they’re going and who they’re going with
• Avoid eye contact
• Not be allowed or able to speak for themselves

It is important to note that people who are being trafficked don’t always show ALL these signs. They may show a few or even none.

Myth: Trafficking only happens to women and girls.

Fact: While women are girls are more likely to be trafficked, trafficking can happen to boys, non-binary, and transgender folks.

The needs (the trafficker is looking to fill) might be emotional: romantic connection, familial love, belonging, acceptance. The needs also might be practical: work, food, shelter. Traffickers promise to meet those needs in order to exert control and create dependence (The Exodus Road, 2024).

The following are just examples of what a trafficker might exploit:

• Poverty
• Homelessness
• Immigration status
• Low Self Esteem
• Familial instability
• Mental health challenges
• Disability
• Substance use
• Level of education
• Isolation
• History of abuse
• Age

The more factors a person has, the easier it is for a trafficker to exploit them.

Myth: Traffickers are only men

Fact: Research suggests the women make up one third of traffickers globally and are 16% less likely to be arrested and prosecuted for their crimes (Jeglic, 2021).

Check out the Teen Power and Control Wheel here

Luring and Grooming is a method used by offenders that involves building trust with a child, and the adults around them, in an effort to gain access to and control the child (cybertip.ca).

It can look like:

• Receiving lots of expensive gifts
• Having a lot of unexplained cash
• Withdrawing from family/friends
• Be involved in an all-consuming relationship (friendship or romantic)
• Do things out of character, like drinking or drugs
• Acting secretive about activities, new friends, or a romantic partner

Did you know: Most victims of trafficking know their trafficker. In fact, up to 50% of cases the trafficker is a family member (Statistics Canada, 2022).

Cybertip.ca is Canada’s national tip line for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children.

Safety is a fundamental concept that underpins our daily lives, work environments, and communities, playing a crucial role in protecting individuals from harm, and promoting well-being.

Safety can also look and feel different for everyone.

Sometimes, being around a potentially dangerous person or environment might be inevitable (hard to avoid), but there may be ways you could make the experience safer for yourself.

Creating a safety plan involves identifying steps to increase safety and to prepare in advance for the possibility of future harm.

Helpful Tips for Safety Planning Are:

• Having a written script for emergency calls
• Have a list of trusted people and their phone numbers
• Have a code word or multiple
• Have a list of places you can go
• Know how you can get to a safe place
• Have a list of excuses

Myth: You should tell everyone about your safety plan.

Fact: Your safety plan should be kept private to yourself and trusted friends/family.

If you are in an emergency situation, immediately call 9-1-1.

Kids Help Line
To create your own safety plan or receive mental health support, please check out Kids Help Line.

The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline
If you or someone you know is being trafficked or have concerns of trafficking, please contact The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline.

Reach Out 24/7
If you are experiencing a crisis and live in Elgin, Middlesex and Oxford and London, please contact Reach Out 24/7 – 519-433-2023

9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
If you are experiencing suicidal ideation, please call 9-8-8.

London Police Service
If you require police assistance, you can always call 9-1-1 or reach out to London Police Service – 519-661-5670

NeedHelpNow.ca
If you are worried an intimate image of you under the age of 18 is being shared online, please reach out to NeedHelpNow.ca.

Government of Ontario
Find organizations across Ontario that help survivors of human trafficking and learn about supports that are available

Hope for Wellness Hotline
Hope for Wellness Helpline is available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada.

YouthLine
YouthLine offers free support through our Ontario-wide 2SLGBTQ+ peer-support helpline.

211
211 is Canada’s primary source of information for government and community-based, non-clinical health and social services.

Anova
Anova is a non-profit organization that provides shelter, counselling, and support for people affected by sexual violence and homelessness in London and Middlesex County.

The Canadian Centre for Child Protection
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection offers resources for families and professional to protect youth from online exploitation.