Human trafficking on the rise, and education best way to combat it

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It may seem unbelievable, but human trafficking has surpassed gun and drug trafficking crimes in Canada.

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It’s big business, according to the United Nations’ International Labour Office. Annual global profits are estimated at $150 billion.

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In Canada, Ontario accounts for more than half — 62% — of known cases, with the Greater Toronto Area being the recruiting hub. Major highways, coupled with access to Pearson International Airport, allow traffickers to easily move their victims across the province and country.

The majority of traffickers force their victims — mainly women and girls — into the sex trade, where the average age ranges from 12-24. Victims are coerced or intimidated into providing sexual services, or to work in massage parlors, for escort agencies or the adult entertainment industry.

A minority of victims are trafficked into forced labour.

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Traffickers often recruit their victims by showering them with affection and gifts, promising an exciting lifestyle and money, according to authorities. After a short period of time, the traffickers tell victims to earn their keep and exploit them to make large sums of money.

Because of the growing danger posed by the abusive, controlling and intimidat­ing behaviour by traffickers who target vulnerable people, education is the key to avoid becoming a victim, says Mary Beth Moellenkamp, CEO of Peel Region’s Children’s Aid Society.

“The more we can raise awareness, the more we can have conversations with children and youth, the more that they start to know that this is an issue and how they might be potentially approached, the better chances we have of preventing them from being pulled into this,” she said.

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An awareness campaign coincided with National Human Trafficking Awareness Day last Thursday.

According to Moellenkamp, Peel has seen a rise in human trafficking. Technology and social media has made it much more challenging to combat the crime.

“Unfortunately, it sometimes feels like [the traffickers] are two steps ahead of us in terms of our ability to navigate different methods … in trying to connect with children and youth,” she said.

Young people involved in child welfare are also at an increased risk for recruitment due to their associated vulnerabilities. Others include migrant workers, recent immigrants, Indigenous individuals, and people living in poverty or with substance use disorders.

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Of the victims trafficked in Ontario, 63% are Canadian citizens.

There are lots of resources for those who fall victim to traffickers. In Peel, The Children’s Aid Society is part of the Peel Human Trafficking Service Providers Committee that works with over 40 organizations to end human trafficking.

Parents and schools also play a role to educate young people about the dangers, even though the topic may be difficult to discuss.

“Sometimes there may be some hesitancy around that, but creating a safe space or a place for a child to speak to a caregiver or a trusted adult is extremely important,” Moellenkamp said.

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