#Know
Human
Trafficking

Human trafficking is pressuring or forcing someone, adult or youth, to have sex in exchange for money that the trafficker gets to keep. Traffickers will take victims to other locations in Canada, even if they don’t want to go. It is slavery and it is illegal.

If you think you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010

Signs for Youth

Sex trafficking is the most common form of human trafficking in Ontario. It can happen to anyone, including you and your friends. It’s not your fault.

How it happens

Traffickers pretend to be your boyfriend or a really good friend. They may be a stranger or someone you meet on the internet who is suddenly very interested in you. This is how human traffickers work:

Luring: The trafficker will say nice things, take you out and buy you fancy gifts.
Grooming: The trafficker will act like a boyfriend or friend and make you feel special, spending money on you for things like new clothes, jewelry and accessories. They may also get you to try drugs or take inappropriate photos.
Isolation: The trafficker will make you feel like they’re the only person you can trust, and they’re the only person who cares about you.
Manipulation: Eventually the trafficker will ask or pressure you to have sex with them or have sex with other people to “repay” the gifts or money. They make you feel like they’ll leave you if you don’t do what they say.
Threats: Traffickers will threaten to hurt you or someone you care about. They will also threaten to expose inappropriate photos.
Exploitation: The trafficker will use the special connection they have with you to force you to have sex.

What to look for

There are many warning signs you should look for if you think you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, including:

Repeatedly missing school or not going home
Being secretive about what they’re doing
Starting to use taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uber
Seeming fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or nervous/paranoid
Isolating from friends and family
Not introducing their new friend or boyfriend to friends and family
Suddenly spending time with an older person
Starts wearing more sexualized clothing
Having bruises, cigarette burns, or fractures
Having tattooing or branding symbols, particularly names
Suddenly having a new or second cell phone with a secret number

What to do

If you are worried about a situation you’re in, or you are worried about the safety of a friend, speak to your family or an adult that you trust.
Share this information with your friends. Protect each other.
Being trafficked is not a crime. Being forced to have sex, take drugs or drink alcohol is not a crime.
In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1
To submit a tip or ask a question, email: HumanTrafficking@londonpolice.ca
Submit anonymous tips to London-Elgin-Middlesex Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit https://londoncrimestoppers.com/

Signs for Parents

The average age of girls recruited into sex trafficking is 11 to 14 years old. Traffickers generally target vulnerable young girls, although anyone can be a victim.

How it happens

There are often clear changes in behaviour and activities when a youth is being groomed or trafficked. Sex traffickers take advantage of a person’s vulnerability to form a bond. They manipulate children and youth through promises of love, friendship and a sense of belonging. This is how human traffickers work:

Luring: Traffickers can target youth through social media and in person at schools, malls or group activities. They try to make the victim feel good through compliments and gifts.
Grooming: Traffickers act like boyfriends or new best friends – they’re not always strangers. They spend money on the victim and encourage them to try risky activities like drugs, taking explicit photos and skipping school.
Isolation: The trafficker asserts control by distancing the victim from friends and family. Youth may start to think that they can’t trust their parents and friends.
Manipulation: The trafficker tells them that they have to repay the money and the gifts by having sex with them and other people. They may force the victim into sex by telling them they owe money or that something bad will happen if they do not agree.
Threats: The trafficker may use threats of violence against them or their family to force the victim into sex.
Exploitation: The trafficker will abuse their relationship with the victim to exploit them and control their life. The victims may not be aware exploitation is happening.

What to look for

There are many warning signs you should look for if you suspect your child or one of their friends may be a victim of human trafficking:

Repeatedly missing school or not going home
Being secretive about what they’re doing
Starting to use taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uber
Seeming fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or nervous/paranoid
Isolating from friends and family
Not introducing their new friend or boyfriend to friends and family
Suddenly spending time with an older person
Starts wearing more sexualized clothing
Having bruises, cigarette burns, or fractures
Having tattooing or branding symbols, particularly names
Suddenly having a new or second cell phone with a secret number

What to do

If you think your child or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking and is in danger, call 9-1-1.
Non-emergency police line: 519-661-5670
To submit a tip or ask a question, email: HumanTrafficking@londonpolice.ca
Submit anonymous tips to London-Elgin-Middlesex Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit https://londoncrimestoppers.com/

Resources

London Police Service

Learn more about human trafficking, the London Police Service Human Trafficking Unit, and resources available in the community.

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About Human Trafficking – Government of Ontario

Learn about human trafficking, including how it can happen, who is at risk and warning signs.

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Ontario’s Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy

Learn about Ontario’s plan to build safer communities by combatting human trafficking and child sexual exploitation.

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Public Safety Canada

Learn more about human trafficking from Public Safety Canada.

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Speak Out: Stop Sex Trafficking

Suite of resources for Indigenous youth, caregivers, service providers and communities.

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The Trap

The Trap is an online resource from the Government of Ontario to teach children and youth what human trafficking is and equip them with the skills to stay safe.

Learn More