What is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation, harbouring and/ or exercising control, direction or influence over the movements of a person in order to exploit that person, typically through sexual exploitation or forced labour. It is often described as a modern form of slavery.

Victims suffer physical or emotional abuse and often live and work in horrific conditions. They may also face fatal consequences if they attempt to escape. This crime represents a consistent and pervasive assault on the fundamental human rights of its victims.

Human trafficking for a sexual purpose is a heinous crime that can leave the victim with horrifying physical, social and emotional scars.

 

Know the Signs

You can help identify victims of human trafficking by knowing the signs. Victims may:

  • Be unable to present identity documents
  • Have no cellphone
  • Lack access to their own money and resources
  • Work excessively long hours with no or few days off
  • Not go out unaccompanied
  • Be branded with tattoos of the trafficker's name
  • Exhibit signs of chronic fear, guilt, shame, distrust of authority and the inability to make decisions
  • Have bruises and other signs of physical abuse

Victims are alone, isolated and trapped in a life of exploitation. They have no means to return home and often feel they are dependent on their trafficker for their survival.

 

How Can You Help?

The following details may assist police in investigations:

  • Best details/descriptions of those involved
  • Locations
  • Nationalities
  • Details of any transport used
  • Travel routes/methods
  • Documents used
  • Any financial information
  • Method of recruitment
  • Methods used to control/manipulate victim.

 

If you or someone you know is a victim of Human Trafficking, please contact the Guelph Police Service at 519-824-1212, or contact the Human Trafficking Unit directly via email at Humantraffickingunit@guelphpolice.ca. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.csgw.tips. In an emergency situation please call 911.

 

If you represent a community group and would like an officer to speak to your group about Human Trafficking, please visit our Community Policing page and click on the ‘Event Registration’ button.