The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) is encouraging residents to wear blue in support of victims of human trafficking on Monday, February 24.
Durham police is joining with other agencies to recognize Ontario Human Trafficking Awareness Day today (Saturday, February 22).
“The DRPS is a leader in the fight against human trafficking (HT) and we remain committed to the education and prevention of HT through investigative excellence and community awareness initiatives. We are proud members of the Durham Region Human Trafficking Coalition and encourage citizens to seek out more information on the website www.StopHT.com,” said a DRPS media release.
It said human trafficking may be better understood as modern day sex slavery. It is occurring every day in the GTA in hotels along the Highway 401 corridor.
They got a hold…
Many of the victims are females ranging in age from 14 to 24. It is extremely difficult for victims to leave due to the psychological hold that is developed between them and their trafficker. Victims also struggle leaving as their trafficker will take their money and identification and it is not uncommon that the victim has no knowledge of the city they are in.
Traffickers control victims in many ways, some of which include emotional abuse, lies, addiction, threats, alienation from friends and family and violence. When victims escape their trafficker, it is very common for them to return due to the emotional and psychological hold these individuals have over their lives, said the release.
A trafficker can be a male or female and can be any age or culture. The main purpose for controlling victims is for the financial gain. Victims can be recruited anywhere, including schools, malls, places of employment, or where free Wi-Fi access is available for young person(s). Traffickers will force their victims to cut all ties to their families and force them to stop using all social media to gain full control.
Rising Stats
Durham Regional Police Human Trafficking Unit has seen an increase in occurrences involving victims of HT within the Region. In 2018, investigators laid 187 HT-related charges. In 2019, Durham Regional Police saw HT incidents rise 94 per cent from 2018. In 2019, DRPS HT Unit provided support to 114 survivors (victims) and laid 297 charges. The increase has been attributed to several proactive initiatives and collaborations with many external partners.
So far in 2020, investigators have had 19 victims come forward looking for assistance and support in exiting the sex trade.
The Human Trafficking Unit along with Victim Services, Pattison Outdoor Advertising and Durham College have designed new information posters that will be wrapped on 19 Durham Region Transit buses across the region. The posters will also be displayed at two bus shelters outside two local malls. This initiative brings significant awareness to the ongoing issue of HT occurring in our community.
Key Signs to Look For
- School attendance and grades have changed
- Unexplained expensive gifts
- Distant from family and close friends
- New friends or boyfriends that family has not met and the victim doesn’t want them to meet
- Bruises or injuries
- Possession of hotel room keys
- Severe weight loss
- Addiction to drugs or alcohol
All these items could be a sign of Human Trafficking, but does not confirm they are involved in Human Trafficking
Tips for Parents
- Monitor social media and internet use
- Have an open door policy with children’s cellphones and know their passwords
- Have conversations with your child about school, friends and life
- Discuss healthy relationships with children
If anyone is involved in human trafficking and needs assistance, contact the Human Trafficking Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ex 5600, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or Victim Services at 905-721-4226, said DRPS.
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