Sexual Human Trafficking is defined as: "Every person who recruits, transports, transfers, holds, conceals or harbours a person, or exercises control, direction or influence over the movements of a person, for the purpose of sexually exploiting them or facilitating their sexual exploitation." It is the second largest criminal industry in the world.
Waterloo Regional Police report that in 2019 there were:
90 investigations of human trafficking
40 criminal charges laid through these investigations
More investigations of human trafficking cases compared to previous years
95% of victims are female and have ranged in age from 14 to 47 years old. Youth face the highest risk, from the age of 12 to 24.
Human trafficking is a vastly under-reported crime, and these statistics likely only show a small glimpse into the real problem of sex trafficking in Waterloo Region.
Source: St. Mary’s General Hospital & ithappenshere.org
How it Happens:
Sex traffickers connect with persons online or in person
Often act kind or in love to lure people
Use threats to control people
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, please contact Waterloo Regional Police at Intel.HT@wrps.on.ca or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Other Supports in Waterloo Region:
Victim Services Waterloo, www.vswr.ca
Waterloo Region Sexual Assault / Domestic Violence @ St. Mary’s General Hospital 519-749-6994
Elora House https://www.elorahouse.com/
For More Info Visit https://www.ithappenshere.org/
@kidshelpphone @salvationarmycanada #ithappenshere #EndHumanTrafficking #notforsale #protectthevulnerable #blueheartcampaign