Human Trafficking

Human trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation, and/or harbouring of persons for the purpose of exploitation, typically for sexual exploitation or forced labour. Victims may also be exploited for organ removal. Anyone may be a victim of human trafficking, including men, women, and children, and may be immigrants or Canadian citizens.

Traffickers continue to maintain and exploit their victims by one, or a combination of, any of the following control tactics:

• Manipulation
• Violence (physical and emotional abuse)
• Isolation
• Watching, escorting, guarding
• Threats and intimidation

Victims of human trafficking may be reluctant to come forward due to tactics of the trafficker. The following list are examples of the altered mindset that may prevent a victim from reporting:

• May not self-identify as a victim of human trafficking. (They may not think they need help because they have a place to live, food to eat, medical care and what they think is a paying job)
• Are unaware or have been misinformed of their rights in our country
• Fear and mistrust law enforcement. Often traffickers tell their victims that they will be arrested and/or deported if they try to get help
• Engage in self-blame. (They may feel that their current situation is their fault, and they feel guilty about it)
• May develop loyalties and positive feelings toward the trafficker as a way to cope with their situation (in these cases, they may even try to protect the trafficker from authorities)
• Fear for the safety of family members in their native country whose safety may have been threatened by the traffickers