Human trafficking is modern-day slavery. Traffickers use force, fraud, and coercion to control their victims. Any minor engaged in commercial sex is a victim of human trafficking. While the initial purchase of victims may occur online, the real-time sale of victims can happen in many locations, including truck stops, restaurants, rest areas, hotels/motels, strip clubs, private homes, etc.
- Human trafficking is a $150 billion industry.
- There are 50 million victims of human trafficking globally.
- Human trafficking happens throughout Canada in urban, rural, and suburban areas.
- In Canada, over 50% of trafficked women are Indigenous, though they make up only 4% of the female population.
- A victim may be forced to have sex up to 20 times a day.
Red flags to watch for:
- Lack of knowledge of their whereabouts; not in control of ID/passport
- Restricted or controlled communication – not allowed to speak for self
- CB chatter about “commercial company” or flashing lights signaling “buyer” location
- Acknowledgment of a pimp and making a quota
- A van or RV that seems out of place out by trucks; a vehicle dropping someone off at a truck and picking them up 15-20 minutes later