Human Trafficking is the recruiting, transporting, transferring, receiving, holding, concealing or harbouring of a person or exercising control, direction or influence over movements of a person for the purpose of exploiting them or facilitating their exploitation.  That is a lot of information to absorb.  It is easily misunderstood.

Human trafficking is when someone uses their power to control someone else and forces them into sexual activities or forced labour.  The victims in these cases can be male or female, young or old and of any ethic background.

Sarnia Lambton has experienced cases of human trafficking.  Agencies such as the Sarnia-Lambton Sexual Assault Survivor’s Center has seen their referrals for this type of activity increase in the past several months.

“Grooming” a victim is the first step in the trafficking process.  Gaining trust, providing certain needs the  victim has lacked and isolating the victim from others are the initial steps to fast tracking the victim into the “trafficked” life.  Manipulation is a key factor during the process.

You can watch an informative video on the Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers web site:

#TCSonlinegroominghumantrafficking

There is also great information on the Canadian Association of Crime Stoppers web site:

https://www.canadiancrimestoppers.org/

If you suspect someone is being “trafficked” or if you suspect someone is a “trafficker”, you can contact Sarnia Lambton Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or you can go on-line at www.p3tips.com.

If you are a victim, do not contact Crime Stoppers.  Contact the Sarnia Police Service at 5129-344-8861 or the local Ontario Provincial Police at 519-882-1011.  You are also encouraged to contact the Sarnia-Lambton Sexual Assault Survivors Center at 519-337-3154.