Human Trafficking

Human trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation, harbouring and/ or exercising control, direction or influence over the movements of a person in order to exploit that person, typically through sexual exploitation or forced labour. 

Human trafficking is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

In many cases, victims are reluctant to come forward and report human trafficking due to manipulation, fear, threats from traffickers, shame, language barriers, mistrust of authorities or they may not even realize that they are victims of human trafficking.

The Government of Canada supports a broad-based prevention strategy focusing on raising awareness and research activities to prevent human trafficking.

Highlights include:

  • Promote training for front-line service providers
  • Support and develop new human trafficking awareness campaigns within Canada
  • Provide assistance to communities to identify people and places most at risk
  • Distribute awareness materials at Canadian embassies and high commissions abroad
  • Strengthen Child Protection Systems within the Canadian International Development Agency's programs targeting children and youth

The Hamilton Police Service Human Trafficking Unit assists victims and investigates incidents of human trafficking.

Hamilton Police - Victim Services 905-546-4904

Hamilton Police Service Victim Service’s Branch responds to the immediate needs of people who have been victimized by crime and/or trauma, including victims of Human Trafficking.

The Victim Services Branch staff is specially trained to provide practical assistance, emotional support and referrals for additional community resources.

Chrysalis Anti-Human Trafficking Network 1-866-528-7109

The Chrysalis Network offers a free, confidential telephone trauma counselling service to women, men, and youth who have been trafficked/exploited for the purposes of commercial sex or forced labour. They also offer ongoing support to sex workers who do not personally identify as trafficked/exploited. 

Chrysalis Anti-Human Trafficking Network

Additional Resources

http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/cntrng-crm/hmn-trffckng/index-eng.aspx

National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking