#Know
Human
Trafficking

Human trafficking is pressuring or forcing someone, adult or youth, to have sex in exchange for money that the trafficker gets to keep. Traffickers will take victims to other locations in Canada, even if they don’t want to go. It is slavery and it is illegal.

If you think you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010

Human trafficking is real. Know the signs.

01

Signs for Youth

Sex trafficking is the most common form of human trafficking in Ontario. It can happen to anyone, including you and your friends. It’s not your fault.

How it happens

Traffickers pretend to be your boyfriend or a really good friend. They may be a stranger or someone you meet on the internet who is suddenly very interested in you. This is how human traffickers work:

01
Luring
The trafficker will say nice things, take you out and buy you fancy gifts.
02
Grooming
The trafficker will act like a boyfriend or friend and make you feel special, spending money on you for things like new clothes, jewelry and accessories. They may also get you to try drugs or take inappropriate photos.
03
Isolation
The trafficker will make you feel like they’re the only person you can trust, and they’re the only person who cares about you.
04
Manipulation
Eventually the trafficker will ask or pressure you to have sex with them or have sex with other people to “repay” the gifts or money. They make you feel like they’ll leave you if you don’t do what they say.
05
Threats
Traffickers will threaten to hurt you or someone you care about. They will also threaten to expose inappropriate photos.
06
Exploitation
The trafficker will use the special connection they have with you to force you to have sex.
02

Signs for Parents

The average age of girls recruited into sex trafficking is 11 to 14 years old. Traffickers generally target vulnerable young girls, although anyone can be a victim.

How it happens

There are often clear changes in behaviour and activities when a youth is being groomed or trafficked. Sex traffickers take advantage of a person’s vulnerability to form a bond. They manipulate children and youth through promises of love, friendship and a sense of belonging. This is how human traffickers work:

01
Luring
Traffickers can target youth through social media and in person at schools, malls or group activities. They try to make the victim feel good through compliments and gifts.
02
Grooming
Traffickers act like boyfriends or new best friends – they’re not always strangers. They spend money on the victim and encourage them to try risky activities like drugs, taking explicit photos and skipping school.
03
Isolation
The trafficker asserts control by distancing the victim from friends and family. Youth may start to think that they can’t trust their parents and friends.
04
Manipulation
The trafficker tells them that they have to repay the money and the gifts by having sex with them and other people. They may force the victim into sex by telling them they owe money or that something bad will happen if they do not agree.
05
Threats
The trafficker may use threats of violence against them or their family to force the victim into sex.
06
Exploitation
The trafficker will abuse their relationship with the victim to exploit them and control their life. The victims may not be aware exploitation is happening.
Community Partnership

Partnership with #NotInMyCity

The London Police Service is proud to support #NotInMyCity, a national movement dedicated to preventing and ending human trafficking through education, awareness, prevention, and collective action. Together with community partners, survivors, businesses, and organizations across Canada, we are working to help protect vulnerable individuals and create safer communities.

Learn More About #NotInMyCity

Resources

01
London Police Service
Learn more about human trafficking, the London Police Service Human Trafficking Unit, and resources available in the community.
Learn More
02
About Human Trafficking – Government of Ontario
Learn about human trafficking, including how it can happen, who is at risk and warning signs.
Learn More
03
Ontario’s Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy
Learn about Ontario’s plan to build safer communities by combatting human trafficking and child sexual exploitation.
Learn More
04
Public Safety Canada
Learn more about human trafficking from Public Safety Canada.
Learn More
05
Speak Out: Stop Sex Trafficking
Suite of resources for Indigenous youth, caregivers, service providers and communities.
Learn More
06
The Trap
The Trap is an online resource from the Government of Ontario to teach children and youth what human trafficking is and equip them with the skills to stay safe.
Learn More
07
Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline
The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline is a confidential, multilingual service, operating 24/7.
Learn More

Get Help

In the case of an emergency, call 9-1-1

☎
Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline
1-833-900-1010
Call Now
☎
Non-Emergency London Police Service Line
519-661-5670
Call Now