February 22 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. The safety of students is our priority and we can reduce the risk of your child/youth becoming vulnerable to human trafficking by ensuring that they are educated about what it is, how and where it happens, how to recognize the signs that someone is being lured/groomed or trafficked, and by providing practical safety tips and information on how to get help.

In order to raise awareness and increase safety for our students, posters with information on human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation (i.e. ‘sex trafficking’) will be posted in our school. Teachers and staff will have resources to answer student questions, and we have included information here that may help you as well, to continue the conversation at home. 

Human Trafficking in Waterloo Region:  It Happens Here
(https://stmary.wcdsb.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/64/2024/02/Human-Trafficking-Waterloo-Region-Booklet-2020-002.pdf)

Contrary to popular belief that human trafficking is just an international problem, it is actually a problem right here in Canada, in Ontario, and in Waterloo Region.  Human trafficking is when a person is manipulated, controlled and/or forced to do something against their will (e.g. being forced into sex work). They are exploited in some way to benefit someone else. 

Human trafficking happens here. The rates have been rising in Waterloo Region and youth represent the prime group at risk. While certain groups of people are at greater risk of being trafficked than others, this can and does affect all types of people, even those not considered “high risk”. 

Most people tend to think that an individual is forced into trafficking by being forcefully abducted or drugged – although this does happen – the more common scenario involves a trafficker (or “pimp”) pretending to be kind or in love in order to lure a vulnerable person into sex trafficking. Traffickers build trust by seeming kind or loving and they may shower their “girlfriend” with compliments, jewellery, clothing, etc. They often use violence and threats to control people. Both traffickers and victims can be either male or female. 

Traffickers tend to connect with people directly or through mutual friends or acquaintances. This can occur anywhere, especially where youth hang out: schools, shopping malls, parties, fast food restaurants, youth facilities/shelters, the Internet, etc. Snapchat and Instagram are noted by Waterloo Region Police as common tools used by traffickers to connect with people. 

In order to help parents stay vigilant in protecting their children, the following are signs to look for that could be indicators that someone is being lured/groomed or already involved in sex trafficking. 

  • sudden change in behavior (e.g. skipping school, falling grades, withdrawn, secretive) 
  • sudden change in appearance (e.g. wearing clothing that is not age-appropriate) 
  • suddenly being given expensive things (e.g. clothing, purses, jewelry, hair, nails) 
  • suddenly being showered with attention 
  • isolated or turned against family and friends 
  • new boyfriend who they won’t introduce 
  • staying out late, missing curfew 

The following are signs to look for that may indicate that someone is potentially being trafficked. 

  • fearful, anxious, depressed 
  • signs of abuse (e.g. cuts, bruises) 
  • branding (e.g. names tattooed on neck) 
  • someone else speaks for them 
  • drug or alcohol addiction 
  • fear of police 

Keep in mind that while the above listed signs are related to human trafficking, they don’t necessarily mean that your child is being lured/groomed or trafficked. 

If you or your child are ever in immediate danger or crisis, please call 911 

Other resources: 

  • Waterloo Regional Police Non-Emergency Line: 519-570-9777
  • Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region:
    • 24-hour support line: 519-741-8633 
    • Office Telephone: 519-571-0121 
    • Email: ahtp@sascwr.org 
  • Waterloo Region Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centre: 519-749-6994 
  • Victim Services of Waterloo Region: 519-585-2363; 519-570-5143 (after hours) 
  • Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline (available 24/7 in 200 languages): 1-833-900-1010 
  • Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) 
  • To learn more, visit www.ithappenshere.org

Human Trafficking – Know the Signs – POSTER
(https://stmary.wcdsb.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/64/2024/02/HT_Poster-11X17-EN-5-1.pdf)