The most common form of the crime of human trafficking in Ontario is sex trafficking. As a form of sexual exploitation, sex trafficking refers to the forced, coercive, fraudulent or deceptive exchange of sex for something of value (for example, money, food, drugs, alcohol, transportation, shelter). This can also include sexual exploitation online, including social media platforms, through sexual imagery or video.

Source: Ontario Ministry of Family and Social Services

Traffickers may manipulate a person by:

• fulfilling their unmet needs, such as love, affection, friendship, a sense of belonging and other basic needs like housing or food security
• using threats, physical violence, emotional abuse, isolation and control
• For this and other reasons, the trafficked person may fear and resist police intervention

Source: Ontario Ministry of Family and Social Services

Traffickers target people who are vulnerable and marginalized, although anyone can be a victim. A person’s vulnerability may stem from factors such as:

• young age
• poverty
• homelessness
• involvement in the child welfare system, or transitioning out of care
• physical or developmental disability
• history of childhood physical or sexual abuse, trauma
• addiction(s)
• mental health challenges
• family conflict
• lack of self-esteem or sense of belonging
• systemic discrimination
   

Children and youth are among those most at risk of being targeted by sex traffickers. The average age of recruitment into sex trafficking in Canada is just 13 years old.

The impacts of historical colonialism and systemic racism are underlying causes of the marginalization that put women and children from Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities at increased risk of being targeted.

Source: Ontario Ministry of Family and Social Services

Human traffickers are increasingly using social media, gaming and messaging platforms to lure and recruit children and youth. Look at the apps, platforms and sites your child uses, and determine if the content is age appropriate. Help your child set up privacy settings to keep their accounts private, and where possible, turn off location sharing services and set up parental controls. Have frequent, open conversations with your child about their online activities.

Source: Ontario Ministry of Family and Social Services

Early intervention is critical in preventing sex trafficking before it happens. Changes in behaviour, physical appearance, belongings and relationships with family and friends can be signs that someone might be a victim of human trafficking. 

Warning signs to watch for include:

• are repeatedly missing from home and/or have been frequently reported missing to police
• are being secretive about their activities
• begin staying out more often and later
• are absent from school or there is a decline in school performance
• use new or increased methods of transportation, such as taxis, ride-hailing or sharing applications
• are not allowed to speak for themselves and their activities are controlled by someone else
• seem fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, nervous or paranoid (they may avoid eye contact or seem fearful around police)
• move frequently and may not know their surroundings well
• are repaying a large debt through sex (including sexual imagery/filming)
• are withdrawing or isolating from family and friends
• have a new boyfriend, girlfriend or friend who they won’t introduce to friends and family
• suddenly spend time with an older person or people
• begin wearing more sexualized clothing
• have new clothing and jewelry that they can’t afford to buy
• show signs of physical abuse, such as bruising, cigarette burns or fractures
• have tattooing or branding symbols, particularly names
• suddenly have a new or second cell phone with a secret number
• don’t have their own belongings or money, and don’t control their own passport or other documents
• seem malnourished or lack medical care

Source: Ontario Ministry of Family and Social Services

Be a supportive listener by:

• Listening to your child without judgement or blame.
• Trying to understand some of the choices your child makes and the pressures they are experiencing, even if you don't understand them.
• Being aware of and softening your body language.
• Using their language e.g., if they say “boyfriend,” use this term.
• Letting them take the lead in sharing, avoid leading the conversation.
• Contact your child’s principal with your concerns.
• Look for organizations in your community that have outreach programs.

YRDSB has created a protocol for schools to help students who disclose that they have been or are being trafficked are supported and have access to appropriate resources (i.e. school social worker, community agencies). The goal is to keep the student safe, both physically and emotionally.

Students may also use the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline (available in a number of languages) to receive support. 

National human trafficking hotline at 1-833-900-1010 (24/7)