Human trafficking is a crime and human rights abuse that’s sometimes referred to as “modern-day slavery.”

There are different types of human trafficking that takes place in Ontario, including sex trafficking and labour trafficking. Forced marriage is also considered a form of human trafficking.

Human trafficking targets young adolescents trying to fit in. They are vulnerable to someone giving them attention, and they (traffickers/pimps) make young girls feel special, and in doing so they buy them things, taking them shopping, etc. They know just how to buy their trust and sometimes even love. Traffickers control their victims in many ways, including psychological manipulation, emotional abuse, lies, addiction, threats, violence, isolation, and taking control of ID/documents and money.

More than 90% of the victims of sex trafficking within Canada come from Canada, according to government statistics. Sex-trafficking victims often are forced to work out of hotels and motels, where staff and visitors aren’t aware of the warning signs.

Human trafficking targets primarily young adolescents, as young as 13 years old. Parents/Guardians need to pay attention to what their teens may be doing on the internet/social media, as it may be a tool used by people (traffickers/pimps) to lure youths into exploitive acts.

Indicators of Human Trafficking

There are several signs that a young person, may be in trouble including;

• a new boyfriend nobody has met
• new gifts
• being absent from school
• becoming isolated from friends and family
• secrecy around on-line activities
• any physical symptoms of bruising or injuries

How do police target human trafficking?

Project Safe Horizon: The Barrie Police Service Project Safe Horizon is an initiative that focuses primarily on the victim and their safety, both immediate and long term care, in the hopes of ending Human Trafficking in our area. This collaborative effort allows agencies to effectively react to victims of Human Trafficking, in order to provide all the necessary services.