Human Trafficking
Do you see what I see? Is this just a group of friends or is there more to the story? Does the girl in the photo seem to be in control or is she overpowered by the guys around her? If your instincts or gut feelings are giving you an uneasy feeling about a situation, you’re probably right. Your uneasy feeling could be a warning sign of a very serious issue known as human trafficking. A person is trafficked when they are forced to do something against their will that someone else benefits from.
Human trafficking is a major concern in Canada. Many people believe human trafficking only happens in the city but human trafficking is a very real issue in rural areas too.
When someone asks you to “do a favour”, it is very important to consider how the favour makes you feel. If you feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts and talk to a safe, trusted adult. This can be a warning sign of human trafficking.
Human trafficking is illegal. Many people are trafficked by someone they know. This could be a partner or someone you consider to be your friend. It is very common for the victim to be blamed by their trafficker for things that they can’t control or aren’t their fault. Human trafficking is NOT the victim’s fault and what is happening is not okay.
If this is something that has happened to you or you have questions about human trafficking, call Victim Services Huron at 519-600-4108, or visit their website at victimserviceshuron.ca.
Caution: Videos refer to sexual violence which may be disturbing to some viewers.
Play ACT!: Awareness Combats Trafficking
Download the app, or play this game online. ACT! is an interactive story-based game from End Slavery Now designed to help you learn about the warning signs of human trafficking.
If you are experiencing violence, you are not alone. Tell someone you trust. You deserve a relationship free of fear.
Huron County Resources:
Huron Safe Homes for Youth: If you are 16 years old, in conflict with your parents/caregiver or experiencing homelessness call: 1-800-361-1640, or email: safe.homes@sympatico.ca
Huron Women’s Shelter: An organization committed to ending violence against women and girls. Find emergency shelter, counselling services along with other programs focused on women’s empowerment here. | 24/7 Support and Information Phone Line: 1-800-265-5506 | huronwomensshelter.ca |
The Gab LGBTQ2S+ Virtual Meetings: The Gab is a safe, inclusive and fun way to interact and share ideas virtually with people that identify with LGBTQ2S+ groups. There will be youth only gab sessions available starting in Fall 2020. Email Bonnie to pre-register and receive Zoom meeting link.| bbaynham@hpph.ca |
Victim Services Huron County: If you need help leaving a violent relationship in Huron County, Victim Services will support you. If you know someone involved in human trafficking, Victim Services can guide you to help them find a way out. | Call: (519)600-4108 | victimserviceshuron.ca |
For more local resources, visit our partners’ page.
General Resources:
Cyber Tip: Cyber Tip is Canada’s tipline to report the online sexual exploitation of children and youth. | Call: 1-866-658-9022 | cybertip.ca |
Kids Help Phone: Free counselling services and advice. Counsellors are always available to answer your questions, no matter how big or small they are.| Call: 1-800-668-6868 | Text: 686868 | kidshelpphone.ca |
Need Help Now: If you or someone you know has been effected by a sexual picture being shared online, Need Help Now will support you and help remove the picture from the internet. They will also provide assistance with cyberbullying and online safety. | needhelpnow.ca |
Pflag Canada: Canada’s only national organization that offers peer to peer support for people experiencing issues surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity (services taking place virtually during COVID-19). | pflagcanada.ca |
Sex & U: An inclusive resource for up to date information on sexual health and safety. | sexandu.ca |
Teen Health Source: A Toronto based group that provides accurate sexual health and dating advice. Find self-assessment quizzes and other materials here. | teenhealthsource.com |
Teen Talk: An online source with facts and information about healthy relationships. | teentalk.ca |
That’s Not Cool: A group that wants to lower the risks of online dating violence for teens. Find information about healthy relationships online and offline here. | thatsnotcool.com |
During COVID-19 our partners continue to provide services to support members of Huron County affected by violence.
Huron Domestic Assault Review Team: COVID-19 Service Updates
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger from violence, call 911.
For emergency shelter and safety planning call Huron Women’s Shelter’s 24/7 information and support line: 1-800-265-5506.