Understanding human trafficking
Human trafficking is a crime and human-rights abuse involving the control and exploitation of an individual, typically through the means of threats, violence and abuse, coercion, deception, and/or forced dependency.
There are different types of trafficking, including sex trafficking and labour trafficking. Human trafficking can also be international (involving trafficking across borders) or domestic (trafficking that only takes place within one country).
Sex trafficking is the most prevalent form of human trafficking in Ontario.
Human trafficking, and specifically child trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation, are sometimes referred to by other terms including commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) and domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST).
Links and resources
- The Trap: human trafficking digital education toolThe human trafficking education tool, The Trap simulates being targeted and recruited by a sex trafficker. It is intended to raise awareness about sex trafficking among youth in middle and high school teaching them what the dangers are, how to avoid them and where to get help. The Trap is designed to be used as part of a facilitated discussion led by an adult. Facilitators must register with an email address.
- Speak Out: Stop Sex TraffickingFind answers to questions you may have about sexual exploitation, how it happens and why Indigenous women and youth are particularly at risk of being targeted.
- What is Child Sexual Exploitation and Sex Trafficking?Child sexual exploitation refers to situations where youth (under the age of 18) are forced or incited(1) to exchange sexual acts or images for material items such as food, shelter, drugs, clothing and/or non-material items such as protection, love, and belonging through the use of power, control and manipulation. Child sexual exploitation includes all charges related to child sexual abuse images offences, age of consent offences as well as prostitution under the age of 18(2). Sex trafficking is human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
- Getting Out: A National Framework for Escaping Human Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation in Canada [2020]A resource created by Covenant House Canada that sought out the answers to five research questions: 1. What is the process of exiting sexual exploitation?, 2. What are the major barriers to escaping sex trafficking, 3. What basic, instrumental, and psychological needs do survivors have when exiting sex trafficking?, 4. At what point in the journey are certain needs more pressing?, 5. How does this process vary by regions in Canada?
