All types of human trafficking are illegal and never OK. If you’re being affected by human trafficking, it’s important to remember it’s not your fault. There is help available.
Human trafficking is when a person is manipulated, controlled, exploited and forced to do things against their will to benefit someone else.
There are different types of human trafficking, including:
- commercial sexual exploitation or sex trafficking
- forced labour or services
- domestic servitude
- forced removal of a human organ
- forced marriage
- forced begging
What is sex trafficking?
In Canada, sex trafficking (sometimes referred to as forced prostitution) is the most commonly reported form of human trafficking (although it’s not uncommon to experience more than one type of trafficking at a time). People who live in Canada, as well as migrants and newcomers to Canada, can be victims of trafficking. Remember, all types of human trafficking are illegal.
Sex trafficking usually begins with recruitment. An exploiter will use tactics to develop a relationship with you (called grooming). Grooming may include:
- lots of compliments
- attention and affection, where you may feel like the only person in the world
- special gifts and money
- a person telling you they love you, especially early in a relationship
While these things often feel nice and may seem like part of a normal relationship, after some time, exploiters will use these feelings to guilt you into doing “favours.” These favours usually start small (e.g. counting/carrying money) and grow bigger (e.g. sharing intimate images or videos, performing sex acts). It’s very important to pay attention to how a favour makes you feel. If you’re uncomfortable, this is a warning sign.
The exploiter may use physical abuse, threats, lies and manipulation to coerce you into doing what they want. They often use fear and guilt to convince you to continue doing favours, like threatening to tell your parents/caregivers about something sexual you’ve done or calling the police and reporting something illegal you’ve done or helped with. They may also withhold affection or give fewer compliments and gifts over time.
They may control who you talk to, what you’re allowed to wear, where you go and what you do. They may also take away things you need (e.g. your bank card, passport, ID, money, etc.) to prevent you from leaving.
It’s important to remember that under the Criminal Code of Canada, you can’t legally consent to abuse. Even if you initially agreed or gave your consent to what the exploiter tells you to do. It’s common for exploiters to blame victims, but it’s important to remember that what’s happening to you is not OK and not your fault.
I’m being affected by human trafficking — what should I do?
If you’re experiencing any type of human trafficking, it’s important to know it’s not your fault. You may be experiencing confusing feelings of love for the person who has abused and exploited you. Your experience may be traumatic and you might not know what to do, but there is help and hope available.
If you’re being affected by human trafficking, you may feel:
- angry
- guilty
- ashamed
- afraid, cautious or confused
- worthless or alone
- sad or depressed
- anxious
- like you don’t have control
- like you can’t trust anyone
These are all common reactions to exploitation and abuse, but if you’re feeling something else, that’s OK too.
People who experience human trafficking may also be at risk for things like:
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- drug and alcohol misuse
- thoughts of suicide
- pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- homelessness
Remember, it is not your fault. What you’re experiencing is a crime against you and you’re not to blame for the exploiter’s actions.
If you’re being affected by human trafficking, there are many things you can do to get support. Here are some ways to ask for help and keep yourself safe:
- Tell a safe adult: you can tell a safe adult (e.g. a parent/caregiver, teacher, youth worker, counsellor, etc.) about what you’re experiencing. You can say, “There’s something I need to speak with you about. I’m being abused and I need help.”
- Make a safety plan: whether it’s with a trusted adult, friend or on your own, creating a safety plan can help you take the steps to leave an abusive situation. Kids Help Phone’s Safety Planner can help you identify the things you can consider to protect yourself. Resources Around Me can help you locate support services (e.g. legal help, counselling, shelters, etc.) in your community.
- Contact emergency services: if you’re in immediate danger or are injured, it’s important to contact 911 or the emergency services in your area for help. You have the right to report the trafficking you are experiencing or have experienced in the past. If you’re worried about any illegal acts you may have engaged in while being exploited, you can seek advice from a lawyer. You deserve to feel safe and be free from exploitation.
- Learn: read about healthy relationships, dating violence and sexual exploitation and abuse. Knowing the facts can help you talk about your experience and learn more about the resources available. Many local non-profit organizations can support you in learning how to protect yourself from unhealthy relationships and can also provide you with additional resources if needed.
- Talk about it: discussing a problem can help you work through the issue, your feelings and next steps. Consider talking to a friend, family member or someone else you trust about what you’re going through. Kids Help Phone’s counsellors are available 24/7 at 1-800-668-6868. You’re never alone.
- Broaden your circle of support: The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking can be a great resource for additional support on this topic. The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline is available 24/7 and is a free, confidential and safe space to learn more about human trafficking, talk about what you are experiencing, and receive expert guidance. They can also support you in safety planning and connecting to additional resources.
- Your safety is important. Remember to close your browser windows, delete your browsing history and clear your cache to protect your privacy. You can learn more about Internet safety at Cybertip.ca.
Remember, leaving a violent or abusive situation can be very difficult. It may take you more than one try to get the support you need. People who experience human trafficking are often hesitant to reach out because they’re afraid of punishment from the exploiter, arrest by police and shame from family and friends. It’s important to ask for support, create a safety plan and learn more about your options to find a way out. You deserve to feel safe, healthy and happy.
Kids Help Phone would like to thank the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking for their contributions to this resource. To learn more about human trafficking and the Centre’s services, you can visit their website
