Human Trafficking
In Ontario, most reported cases of human trafficking involve sexual exploitation, which may also be referred to as sex trafficking.
Child sex trafficking is child abuse. It is inhumane and illegal. Child sex trafficking is the act of luring, coercing, forcing, or manipulating a child under the age of 18 into sexual activity either through online or in-person contact with or without the apparent consent of the youth in exchange for basic needs, drugs and/or alcohol, or financial gain on the part of the perpetrator. Youth involved in child sex trafficking may be coerced or forced into trafficking themselves, trafficking others, or both.
According to Ontario’s anti-human trafficking strategy, the average age of recruitment into sex trafficking is 13 years old, and over 70% of human trafficking victims identified by police are under 25 years old.
Those at high risk of being trafficked include:
- Children and youth involved with Children’s Aid Societies
- Indigenous women and girls
- 2SLGBTQIA+ persons
- Homeless and marginalized youth
- Persons living with disabilities
- Persons facing barriers to accessing housing, supports, and basic needs
If you have concerns for a child related to trafficking, please call us at 705-726-6587 ext. 2236, 705-888-0232 or 705-791-9164 . If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police service.
Community Partners
In Simcoe Muskoka Region, we actively collaborate with community partners to raise awareness, identify risks, intervene early, and provide support and care for survivors. Collaborative initiatives with our community partners include:
- Updated Sex Trafficking Protocol with York Regional Police in partnership with Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services and Jewish Family and Child Service
- Model of family-based care for children and youth at risk, or when sex trafficking is suspected or confirmed
- Piloting of a Screening Tool to identify children and youth at risk of sex trafficking
Our Community Partners
- Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services
- Jewish Family and Child Service
- York Regional Police Special Victims Unit Human Trafficking Section
- York University, Department of Psychology, Teen Relationships Lab
- U-R Home Awareness & Support Services
- Women’s Support Network
York CAS - Barrie Police Anti Human Trafficking Unit
- OPP
- Barrie Women and Children Shelter
- Rosewood
- My friend’s house
- Child Advocacy Center
- OUR place (Owen Sound Women’s Center)
- Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline
- BridgeNorth
- Gilbert Centre
If you need support or help, there are community services available. Reach out to any of the partner agencies listed. Here are links with additional information:
- Learn about what human trafficking is, how it can happen
- Learn about where to go for help
- Contact the Human Trafficking Hotline