Together, We Can Stop Human Trafficking in Ontario. Overview and Educational Articles for Schools, Social Media and Workplace

Together, We Can Stop Human Trafficking in Ontario

Human trafficking is not something that only happens in faraway countries or big cities—it’s happening here in Ontario, in our own communities, and often hiding in plain sight. As someone who has spent years in law enforcement and public safety, I want every Ontarian to understand what human trafficking is, how to recognize it, and what each of us can do to help prevent it.

What is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is the exploitation of people through force, fraud, or coercion. In Ontario, it most often takes the form of sex trafficking, where individuals—mainly young women and girls—are groomed, manipulated, and controlled into providing sexual services against their will. However, trafficking also includes forced labour, where people are made to work under inhumane conditions without fair pay or freedom.

This is not smuggling or kidnapping. Most victims know their traffickers. Many are lured in with false promises of love, money, or opportunity—then quickly find themselves trapped.

Why Ontario?

Ontario is the epicentre of human trafficking in Canada. Over two-thirds of police-reported cases nationwide occur in this province. Our location, major highways, population centres, and border crossings make it easier for traffickers to move people undetected.

The top communities impacted include:

• Toronto

• Peel Region (Mississauga/Brampton)

• Ottawa

• London

• Guelph
  And also: Thunder Bay, Peterborough, Windsor, Barrie, Niagara, Hamilton, and others.

But no community is immune. Whether you live in a small town or a big city, human trafficking can—and does—happen nearby.

Who Is At Risk?

Anyone can be targeted, but traffickers prey on the vulnerable:

• Young people (particularly girls aged 13–24)

• Indigenous women and girls

• Newcomers and migrant workers

• Youth in foster care

• 2SLGBTQI+ individuals

• Those facing poverty or homelessness

Signs to Watch For

As a citizen, you play a vital role. Here are warning signs to be aware of:

• Sudden changes in behavior, clothing, or possessions

• Youth with older partners or friends who seem controlling

• People who seem anxious, fearful, or unable to speak for themselves

• Someone who works excessively long hours with no breaks or pay

• Individuals without access to their ID or who avoid eye contact and conversation

What You Can Do

1. Educate yourself and your family — Talk openly with teens about online safety and consent.

2. Pay attention — If something feels off, trust your instincts.

3. Report concerns — You can contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010 or call your local police.

You don’t have to be certain to speak up. Your call could save someone’s life.

The fight against human trafficking starts with awareness. As your Public Safety partner, I urge you to take what you’ve learned today and share it. Together, we can create communities where exploitation has no place—and where every person has the chance to live free from fear.

Let’s stay vigilant. Let’s stay informed. Let’s stand up for the vulnerable.

1. For Schools (High School-Level Assembly or Newsletter Message)

“What Every Student Needs to Know About Human Trafficking”

Hi Students,

You’ve probably heard the term human trafficking—but do you know what it really means? As a public safety educator and police liaison, I’m here to tell you: this is happening right here in Ontario, in cities and small towns, and it often targets young people just like you.

What Is Human Trafficking?

It’s when someone tricks, pressures, or forces another person into doing something against their will—usually to make money. In most cases in Ontario, it involves sexual exploitation. That means someone is being controlled, threatened, or manipulated into providing sexual services. It’s abuse. And it’s a crime.

Who Is At Risk?

Anyone, but traffickers often target:

• Teen girls aged 13–24

• Kids who are online often

• Youth dealing with tough situations at home

• Students looking for love or money

It usually starts with grooming—when someone acts like your friend or boyfriend, then slowly isolates and manipulates you.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Someone suddenly changes how they dress or act

• A student gets gifts or money but won’t say where from

• They start skipping school or seem stressed and secretive

• They have a much older "boyfriend" who controls them

• They don’t have access to their phone, ID, or money

What Can You Do?

If you think something’s wrong—say something.
You can talk to a teacher, guidance counselor, school officer, or call 1-833-900-1010 (the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline). You don’t need proof—just concern.

You deserve to feel safe, free, and respected. Know the signs. Watch out for your friends. Speak up.

We’ve got your back.

2. For Social Media (Public Awareness Campaign Post)

🛑Human Trafficking is Happening in Ontario — Right Now 🛑
It’s not just something you hear about on the news. It’s happening in your city, your town, your community.

Victims are often:
🚨 Girls aged 13–24
🚨 Indigenous women
🚨 Youth in foster care
🚨 Migrant workers
🚨 People living in poverty or instability

Traffickers use manipulation, fear, and control—not chains—to trap victims.

💬 Look for the signs:
• Sudden changes in behavior
• Possessive or older partners
• Lack of ID or personal freedom
• Fearful, controlled, or secretive behavior

👀 If it doesn’t look right—trust your gut.
📞 Call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010
📍 Available 24/7. Free. Confidential.

🧡 Together, we can stop it. Share this post. Save a life.

#OntarioSafety #HumanTraffickingAwareness #EndTrafficking #ProtectOurYouth

3. For the Workplace (Internal Newsletter or Staff Training Handout)

“Recognizing Human Trafficking: What Employees Need to Know”

Dear Colleagues,

Human trafficking is a serious and growing issue in Ontario—and every workplace, regardless of size or sector, has a role to play in prevention. Whether you work in retail, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, or education, you may be in a position to recognize warning signs and help someone in need.

What Is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is the exploitation of people for profit, often through forced sex work or labour. It’s a crime. And it’s happening in communities across Ontario—including near highways, hotels, malls, factories, farms, and even residential areas.

Who’s Affected?

Those at higher risk include:

• Young women and girls (especially aged 13–24)

• Indigenous people

• Migrant workers and newcomers

• People experiencing homelessness or abuse

• LGBTQ+ youth and others facing social vulnerability

What to Watch For

In your workplace or in the community, you might notice:

• A person with someone who controls their movements or speaks for them

• Unexplained injuries, fearfulness, or lack of eye contact

• A worker who lives on-site, underpaid, or afraid to leave

• Someone with no ID, no bank access, and no control over their schedule

What You Can Do

If you see something that doesn’t feel right:

1. Don’t intervene directly—your safety matters too

2. Call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010

3. Report concerns to your supervisor or HR, especially if it involves workplace policy

Together, we can make our workplaces and communities safer. A watchful eye, a kind question, and a quick call can help someone escape abuse.

Thank you for being part of the solution.

People who are trafficked in Ontario—and across Canada—are usually moved and exploited within the country, not taken abroad. Traffickers often move victims between cities or provinces to isolate them, avoid detection, and maintain control. Here’s where trafficked individuals are typically taken:

1. Hotels and Motels

These are commonly used for sex trafficking, as traffickers can rotate locations frequently to avoid attention. Victims may be kept in one room for days or moved every night.

2. Private Residences or “Trap Houses”

Some victims are hidden in homes or apartments rented by traffickers, often in suburban or residential areas. These locations may seem normal from the outside.

3. Along Major Highway Corridors

Ontario’s Highway 401 corridor (from Windsor to Montreal) is known as a trafficking route. Victims are transported between cities like London, Kitchener, Toronto, Ottawa, and Kingston.

4. Farms, Factories, and Construction Sites

For labour trafficking, victims (often migrant workers) are brought to farms, greenhouses, or industrial sites. They’re forced to work long hours for little or no pay, sometimes living in on-site housing under control of employers.

5. Massage Parlors, Strip Clubs, and Escort Services

In urban centres, some legitimate or semi-legitimate businesses are used as fronts for trafficking. Victims are coerced into sexual services under threat or manipulation.

6. Online Spaces and Remote Rooms

With the rise of digital trafficking, victims may be exploited through live-streaming, webcam services, or online ads—often while physically confined.

Why Are They Moved So Much?

• To confuse and isolate victims

• To avoid detection by law enforcement

• To meet client demand in various regions

• To break down the victim’s sense of safety and identity

What Happens After They’re Found?

If someone is rescued from trafficking, support services include:

• Emergency shelter and housing

• Medical and psychological care

• Legal aid and immigration support

• Reunification with family or new protective environments

Organizations like Covenant House, Victim Services Ontario, and the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline (1-833-900-1010) are ready to help survivors reclaim their lives.

COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.