Human Trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, harbouring or controlling of persons for the purpose of forced labour, including work in the sex trade. It is defined by force, fraud, coercion that is facilitated by a third party for the purposes of profiting from you.
Domestic Human Trafficking is forced or coerced sexual labor facilitated by a third party also known as a pimp. Girls are targeted and trafficked in Canada, for the profit of pimps.
Girls are coerced typically by someone they perceive as an intimate partner or friend. The pimp intentionally moves the girl through the stages of exploitation, for the purpose of trafficking her.
Approximately 72% of female trafficking victims are under 25—and can be as young as 12 years old. 93% of reported survivors identify as female.* *Ibrahim, Dyna. (2018, June, 27). Trafficking in persons in Canada.
Retrieved from https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/ n1/pub/85-005-x/2018001/article/54979-eng.htm
Human trafficking is the fastest growing crime in Canada. 66% of all human trafficking in Canada occurs in Ontario.*
Retrieved from https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/ n1/pub/85-005-x/2018001/article/54979-eng.htm
Pimps work hard to isolate and shame the girls they are trafficking so they don’t feel like there is anyone they can turn to. Pimps also exercise power and control over girls to make them feel afraid for their safety if they try to leave. Girls can also develop a ‘trauma bond’ with their trafficker, where they feel connected to him, despite the abuse.
There is a Cycle of Commercial Sexual Exploitation that is used.
This informative 12-page booklet will give you good insight as to how Human Trafficking occurs in Durham Region along with 5 ways to ignite change to combat Human Trafficking.
Download resourceVictim Services of Durham Region know that caregivers’ attention, love, and awareness is the biggest defence against Human Trafficking. This simple 2-page flyer is full of tips, signs to look for and detailed information on how to intervene when speaking to children about sensitive topics.
Download resourceIf you are a victim of Human Trafficking or know of someone who might be:
Click here to learn what you can do »© 2021 Durham Region Human Trafficking Coalition.