Human Trafficking Information and Resources

  • What is and is not human trafficking?

    What is human trafficking

    • Human trafficking or trafficking in persons involves the recruitment, transportation, harbouring, receiving and/or exercise of control, direction or influence over the movement of persons for the purpose of exploitation
    • Human trafficking is primarily for sex or labour in Canada, but it can include forced marriage or organ removal
    • Coercion, force, or fraud are present to pressure an individual to provide commercial sex or labour services. Coercion can include:
    • Physical violence or threats to the victim or their loved ones
    • Psychological manipulation (intimidation, humiliation, fear of authorities)
    • Debt bondage
    • Confiscation of documents
    • Isolation
    • Emotional exploitation - pretending to be a romantic partner to gain trust (Romeo pimp)
    • Cultural or spiritual control

    What is not human trafficking?

    Human trafficking is NOT migrant smuggling

    • Human trafficking can occur without crossing borders or being moved anywhere
    • Smuggling generally involves consent from the person being smuggled
    • Trafficking victims have either not consented or have consented by illicit, coercive, or manipulative means
    • Profit is made from the fee charged to those being smuggled whereas profits in human trafficking are made through ongoing exploitation of victims
    • However, smuggled migrants may be more at risk of becoming human trafficking victims

    Not all sex work is human trafficking

    • Consent is freely given in sex work
    • There is autonomy in sex work and an ability to refuse clients, set prices, etc.
    • There is no force, fraud, or coercion
    • Trafficking can be hidden within the sex industry which makes it difficult to tell whether someone is working by choice or under duress
    • Any child involved in commercial sex is legally considered trafficked regardless of consent

  • What is the continuum of choice, circumstance and coercion?

    • The continuum of choice, circumstance and coercion is a framework used to describe how a person's participation in sex work ranges from fully voluntary to fully forced
    • One can move back and forth along the continuum, and this fluidity can create challenges in separating human trafficking from sex work
    • Evident choice

      • Sex for love or pleasure
      • Sex work with complete autonomy
      • Individuals freely choose to engage in the activity as legitimate labour

    • Apparent choice

      • Sex work by choice but with an underlying lack of access to opportunity
      • Sexual exchange for status or power

    • Circumstance

      • Individuals enter sex work by choice but because of underlying circumstances such as:

        • Addictions
        • Financial need
        • Mental health issues
        • Poverty
        • Immigration status

    • Coercion

      • Individuals are manipulated, deceived or threatened into participating in sex work
      • Exploitation
      • Fraud - In general this is where human trafficking is most prevalent

    • No choice

      • Individuals are forced or confined

  • Stages and Indicators of Human Trafficking

    1. Luring:

      • The trafficker identifies and targets vulnerable person
      • Vulnerabilities may include low self-esteem, financial hardship, isolation
      • The trafficker makes the target feel special
      • The trafficker offers friendship
      • The trafficker offers romantic relationship or job opportunities

    2. Grooming and Gaming:

      • The trafficker builds trust and emotional dependence
      • Love-bombing - the trafficker gives excessive attention, flattery or grand gestures
      • Promises of better life
      • Showering with gifts
      • Showering attention
      • Paying for nails, hair, shopping
      • Introduction of drugs or alcohol

    3. Coercion and manipulation:

      • The trafficker begins to exert control and instill fear
      • Threats
      • Emotional abuse
      • Withholding affection
      • Creating debt
      • Isolating from friends, family and support networks

    4. Exploitation:

      • Trafficker profits from commercial sex or labour acts of their victim
      • There may be psychological abuse or financial control

    5. Recruitment:

      • The victim may become a recruiter for the trafficker

    What are possible indicators of human trafficking?

    Behavioural:

    • Not allowed to speak for themselves
    • Scripted stories/rehearsed answers
    • Unable to explain their circumstances
    • Fear
    • Anxiety
    • Hypervigilance
    • Avoids eye contact
    • Submissive
    • Withdrawing from friends and family
    • Loss of interest in previous hobbies, sports etc.
    • Fearful of law enforcement

    Physical

    • Bruises
    • Burns
    • Scars
    • Tattoos or branding indicating ownership
    • Malnourishment
    • Fatigue
    • Sleep deprivation
    • Symptoms of PTSD - shaking, rapid breathing, sweating, tension, headaches, upset stomach, pain
    • Changes in appearance - hair and nails done and/or expensive clothing
    • Dressed inappropriately for the situation, weather or their age

    Psychological

    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • PTSD
    • Dissociation
    • Learned helplessness
    • Trauma bonding/emotional attachment to their trafficker
    • Addictions

    Situational Indicators:

    • Little or no possessions
    • Does not have access to personal documents, money or possessions
    • Under surveillance of another person/escorted everywhere
    • Lacks freedom of movement
    • Resides at place of employment
    • Works excessively long hours with no breaks
    • Unable to leave their job
    • Has limited knowledge of their location or surrounding area
    • Moving around frequently
    • Multiple cell phones
    • Hotel room keys
    • Group of girls travelling with an older male or female
    • New clothing/nails/hair/possessions without having a known source of income
    • New group of friends
    • False identification

    What are some indicators specifically for the hospitality industry?

    • Paying in cash
    • Asking for a room near entry and exit doors away from the front desk
    • Older male with younger female
    • Younger female's hair and makeup are not age appropriate
    • Younger person is shy/avoids speaking or eye contact
    • Declining cleaning service
    • Requesting extra linens often
    • Numerous condoms or wrappers in the trash
    • Significant age difference between the person paying and others with them
    • One person booking multiple rooms
    • Rooms booked for very long-term stays
    • One person speaks for another individual
    • A younger person who may seem unfamiliar with their surroundings or where they are

  • Who is more vulnerable to human trafficking?

    Systems-involved youth including the child welfare system, group homes, youth justice system, and social services:

    • Many have a trauma history and have experienced abuse, loss, or neglect
    • They experience instability. Frequent placement changes make them easier to isolate and manipulate
    • There is a lack of trusted adults and consistent support, and traffickers offer to fill this void
    • Systems-involved youth have higher incidence of running away
    • Aging out of care. Many youths lose access to services when they age out of care and may face houselessness and poverty that traffickers may exploit
    • They may have a low self-worth and unmet emotional needs that traffickers can exploit
    • They may be experiencing mental health challenges - depression, PTSD, behavioural conditions that can impair judgement

    New immigrants and migrant workers:

    • They may have precarious immigration status. Temporary workers, international students, and undocumented migrants may fear deportation or legal consequences making them less likely to report abuses
    • They may have limited knowledge of rights and unaware of Canadian labour laws
    • They may face language barriers which can prevent victims from seeking help, understanding contracts, or accessing services
    • They may be facing economic hardship and can face financial instability making them susceptible to false job offers or coercive debt
    • They may face social isolation. A lack of social networks or community supports increases vulnerability. Traffickers may target those who are alone or disconnected
    • Stigma and shame. Cultural attitudes toward sexual violence or exploitation may prevent disclosure or seeking help

    2SLGBTQ+ Youth:

    • These youth may have increased marginalization and reduced access to opportunities and resources
    • They may be overrepresented among runaway and homeless youth
    • They may experience more harassment, violence, familial rejection, and economic instability
    • They may be more likely to engage in survival sex (sex in exchange for shelter, food, clothing etc.)
    • They face challenges locating and accessing services that meet their needs
    • They may have fewer specialized resources and yet have more specialized needs
    • These youth may have increased mental health concerns including anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.
    • These youth may run from care, due to harassment faced in care.

    Members of the Indigenous community:

    • Historical and ongoing systemic inequities rooted in colonialism - colonialism created lasting inequities through forced assimilation, residential schools, and relocation, leading to broken families and loss of cultural identity
    • Intergenerational trauma - contributes to high rates of substance abuse, mental health issues, and domestic violence all of which are risk factors for trafficking
    • Poverty and economic marginalization - many Indigenous communities experience high rates of government-induced poverty, low wages, and limited employment opportunities due to historical land dispossession and resource starvation - traffickers exploit this with false promises of money, security, and a better life
    • Persistent discrimination -Indigenous women face ongoing racialized and gendered discrimination in society which fosters apathy towards crimes involving them and creates a low-risk environment for traffickers
    • Harmful stereotypes - historical and media-perpetuated stereotypes portraying Indigenous women as disposable or sexually available fuel cultural indifference and violence, enabling traffickers to justify abuse
    • Disproportionate representation of Indigenous children in the child welfare system - systems-involved youth are some of the most at risk for human trafficking
    • Living in isolated locations with little support services

    Other groups at higher risk of being trafficked:

    • Those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities
    • Those living in poverty
    • People with substance use disorders
    • Survivors of abuse and trauma
    • Those struggling financially

  • How should I respond to a human trafficking disclosure? Who can I report to?

    • Stay calm - this will help them feel safer
    • Control your emotions and avoid reactions such as shock, disbelief, or anger
    • Be compassionate
    • Be on-judgemental
    • Don't make assumptions
    • Listen carefully
    • Let them use their own words and tell it in their own way
    • Validate their experience - "I'm sorry this happened to you," "Thank you for trusting me," What happened is not your fault"
    • Don't question or doubt their story
    • Distinguish facts from inference - clearly separate what was said from your own inferences
    • Confidentiality is important
    • Only ask questions for clarification or to establish basic safety
    • Seek consent to make referrals
    • Provide ongoing support and reassurance throughout the process
    • Encourage them to report through traditional means to either police or RCMP or they can report or seek support, information and direction from non-traditional means through the Saskatoon Police Service Human Trafficking Response Team (HTRT) or the Human Trafficking Hotline @ 1-833-900-1010
    • Respect their decision if they choose not to report

    What should I not do when receiving disclosure?

    • Do NOT ask leading questions or pry for more details
    • Do NOT minimize their experience
    • Do NOT confront their trafficker yourself
    • Do NOT make promises you can't keep
    • Do NOT ask them to repeat their story to others

    What do I do if I receive disclosure from a minor?

    • Any child involved in commercial sex is legally considered trafficked regardless of consent
    • Follow duty to report protocols. In Saskatchewan, everyone has a legal duty to report suspected, observed, or disclosed child abuse or neglect.
    • Duty to report overrides professional confidentiality codes
    • You must immediately contact the Ministry of Social Services, a First Nations Child and Family Services Agency, or the police/RCMP
    • Do not promise confidentiality
    • Reassure them it is not their fault, and it is safe to disclose to you

    Who can I report to:

    1. Local police
    2. Local RCMP
    3. Saskatoon Police Human trafficking response team (Civilian support team) 306-975-8400
    4. Saskatchewan Crime stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or use their website ( Saskatchewan Crimestoppers )
    5. Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline 1-833-900-1010

    What are some barriers to disclosure:

    • Fear of not being believed
    • Fear they or someone they know will get in trouble
    • Fear things will get worse
    • Fear of legal ramifications for themselves
    • Fear of retaliation from their trafficker
    • Difficulty articulating their experience
    • Feelings of love or trauma-bonding with their trafficker
    • Shame
    • Guilt
    • Stigma
    • Mistrust of authorities

  • What does a trauma-informed approach involve?

    • A trauma-informed approach is based on the following principles:

      1. Safety - physical, emotional and psychological
      2. Trust and transparency - be honest as survivors have been lied to and manipulated
      3. Choice - provide options and let survivors make their own decisions
      4. Collaboration - work with survivors
      5. Empowerment - give them back control

    • Cultural sensitivity - acknowledge that race, gender, disability shape trauma and access to care
    • Trauma-informed care should be implemented from first contact through long-term support
    • Staff should be trained in trauma-informed and anti-oppressive practices

    Why is a trauma-informed approach important when working with victims and survivors of human trafficking?

    • It acknowledges the complex layers of trauma human trafficking victims and survivors may have
    • It prevents re-traumatization
    • It builds trust
    • Human trafficking victims and survivors have had their autonomy systematically striped away leaving them with little to no control over their choices

  • What are some harm reduction strategies that can be implemented when working with victims and survivors of human trafficking?

    • Accept behavioural change as an incremental process
    • Be non-judgemental
    • Meet people where they are at
    • Accept that a victim may not want to leave their situation
    • Focus on safety
    • Treat all individuals with dignity, compassion, and respect
    • Use evidence-based policy and practice
    • Include survivors in discussions to shape policies and practices
    • Focus on quality-of-life improvements
    • Empower the victim or survivor as the primary agent responsible for reducing the harms

  • How can I practice culturally appropriate care with human trafficking victims and survivors?

    • Ensure cultural sensitivity - ensure survivors feel respected, understood, and free from judgment or systemic harm
    • Avoid imposing Western models of recovery
    • Accept and respect that they may not want police involvement due to a distrust from historical abuses
    • Provide access to culturally appropriate supports including Elders and Ceremony
    • Recognize how historical and systemic trauma including racism, displacement, and colonialism shape vulnerability and responses to trauma
    • Partner with Indigenous-led community-based organizations
    • Create safe and welcoming environments
    • Offer choices for survivors in how they engage with services
    • Train staff in cultural sensitivity
    • Respect spiritual and cultural healing practices

    Quick Response for outreach workers - Contact Victim Services @ 306-975-8400 for printed cards

    • Stay calm and be present

      • Give them your full attention
      • Do not respond with shock or strong emotions
      • Remain non-judgemental

    • Respond with care, acknowledge and validate

      • "Thank you for trusting me"
      • "I'm sorry this happened to you"
      • "It's not your fault"

    • Check Immediate Safety

      • "Are you safe right now?
      • "Do you want help finding a safe place?"

    • Let them lead

      • "What would you like to do next?"
      • "Would you like help reporting this to police"
      • "Can I help you get in touch with supports in this area?"

    • Help them connect to help if they desire it with permission

    • DO NOT:

      • Ask leading questions or pry for more details
      • Minimize their experience
      • Make promises you can't keep
      • Promise confidentiality to a minor if there is a duty to report
      • Confront their trafficker yourself

  • How can prosecutors best support human trafficking victims and survivors?

    • Prosecutors must know and implement trauma-informed practices
    • Provide trauma-informed training for the whole team
    • Prosecutors must understand why human trafficking victims are fearful of reporting and/or testifying:

      • Trauma-bonding
      • Distrust of authorities and the legal system
      • Fear of retribution from their trafficker
      • Fear of being charged or prosecuted for associated crimes
      • They do not self-identify as being trafficked
      • Fear
      • Stigma
      • They may not feel culturally supported

    • Prosecutors must understand the history of Indigenous people and why Indigenous women may be more vulnerable to human trafficking:

      • Historical and ongoing systemic inequities rooted in colonialism
      • Intergenerational trauma
      • Poverty and economic marginalization
      • Persistent discrimination
      • Harmful stereotypes
      • Disproportionate representation of Indigenous children in the child welfare system

    • Survivor's basic needs need to be met
    • Create a safe space to establish trust and connection
    • Meet the client where they are at and be aware when a client is not ready
    • Network with anti-trafficking organizations
    • Better court support is critical:

      • Know and seek out collaboration with victim services organizations who can provide early and ongoing support to victims of human trafficking
      • Safety
      • Transportation to and from court
      • Offer food at meetings and court dates
      • Meet with clients as often as they need
      • Therapy dogs
      • Provide regular breaks
      • Explain thoroughly the court process and express clear timelines if possible
      • Work to build a rapport with clients and prioritize relationship-building

  • Human Trafficking Links and Resources

    Human Trafficking Criminal Code and Legislation Links

    Human Trafficking and the Criminal Code

    Department of Justice Canada - Canadian Legislation

    The Protection from Human Trafficking Act

    • Victims can apply for a protection order on their own or be assisted by a shelter employee, medical professional, or another prescribed individual
    • Enables victims to initiate a civil lawsuit against their trafficker and to seek financial compensation for harm suffered
    • New provisions for law enforcement to seek search warrants for residences or vehicles to locate a victim and remove them form the premises for safety reasons

    Saskatchewan Publication - Protection From Human Trafficking Act

    Bill 152 The Protection from Human Trafficking Act (Coerced Debts) Amendment Act

    • Prohibits lenders from taking coerced debts into account when evaluating potential loans and including coerced debts in credit reports
    • A victim may obtain a certificate under the Victims of Interpersonal Violence Act to have a coerced debt removed from their credit report

    Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act (Bill C-36)

    • Aimed at protecting sex workers, communities, children, and reducing demand for sex work
    • Aims to protect those who sell their own sexual services from exploitation
    • Criminalizes purchasing sexual services, communicating for that purpose, advertising sexual services, receiving a financial or material benefit from sex work and procuring a person to offer or provide sexual services
    • Prohibits communicating for the purposes of offering or providing sexual services in public spaces next to school grounds, playgrounds or daycare centres
    • Expanded human trafficking provisions

    Department of Justice Canada - Bill C-36 - Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act

    The Victims of Interpersonal Violence Amendment Act

    • Allows renters to end fixed-term tenancy agreements with 28 days notice without penalty if they are survivors of IPV, sexual violence or victims of human trafficking
    • Non-police supports can initiate emergency intervention orders
    • Victims can apply for a certificate confirming coerced debts
    • Provides confidentiality and victim protection

    Saskatchewan Publication - Victims of Interpersonal Violence Act

    Child and Family Services Act - Duty to Report

    • Requires that every person who has reasonable suspicion to believe that a child may need protection shall report the information to a child protection worker or police officer

    Saskatchewan Publication - Child and Family Services Act

    The Emergency Protection of Victims of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Act (Section 4, Subsection 1)

    • Mandatory for every person who has reasonable suspicion to believe that a child (under the age of 18 years) has been or is likely to be subjected to sexual abuse to report the information to a child protection worker or police officer

    Saskatchewan Publication - Emergency Protection for Victims of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Act

    Clare's Law (The Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol)

    • Right to know, right to ask
    • Allows police to disclose risk-related information to current or former intimate partners to allow them to make informed decisions
    • SK residents can make an application to their local police or RCMP

    Saskatoon Police - Clare's Law

    Government of Saskatchewan - Clare's Law

    • 16 years in Canada
    • Close in age exemptions:

      • 14 or 15 can consent to sexual activity with a partner less than five years older
      • 12 or 13 can consent to sexual activity with a partner less than two years older

    • As long as there is no relationship of trust, authority, or dependency or other exploitation

    Department of Justice Canada - Age of Consent to Sexual Activity

    Temporary Resident Permits

    • Offer immigration protection and access to services for foreign nationals who are victims of human trafficking.
    • Issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
    • Provides legal immigration status in Canada for a minimum of 12 months
    • No cost application for human trafficking survivors
    • Can provide coverage for healthcare
    • Can provide work and study permits
    • Renewable status and can be extended based on individual circumstances
    • Can provide time for recovery from trauma associated with human trafficking
    • Helps victims escape traffickers' control
    • Can be referred to IRCC by law enforcement or can self-refer

    Government of Canada - Permit - Protection and Assistance for Victims of Human Trafficking

    HT Toolkit Online Resources

    Online Resources

    For Children and Youth

    For Parents/Caregivers

    Saskatchewan Organizations

    Cultural Resources

    International Resources