It was apparent on Wednesday, November 6th, that there is a keen community concern and interest in anti-human trafficking as more than 200 people filled Faith Lutheran Church and Social Hall in Port Elgin to listen to a panel of experts on the subject.
Pastor Darlyne Rath welcomed everyone for attending saying that, “We thank you for coming, for caring, for opening your ears, your eyes and your hearts.”
Saugeen Shores Police Service Inspector Jeremy Mighton was the first speaker. An experienced office who has worked with the Guelph and Hanover Police and now with Saugeen Shores, he has an extensive 20-year background in policing. Prior to policing, Mighton holds a degree in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Western Ontario, and a diploma in Funeral Service from Humber College.
According to Mighton the operative word for someone who trafficks in human exploitation is “control”. The stages of exploitation are ‘luring’, ‘grooming’, ‘manipulation’, ‘exploitation’ and ‘recruitment’. “The misconception is that human trafficking is an international issue, but it can be the person next door,” said Mighton. “Trafficking is like a business but one that deals in people – how to make money off a person … and isolation from loved ones is a key to control.”
Mighton pointed out that trafficking is the fastest growing crime on the planet according to the United Nations and he presented some shocking statistics:
- A $236 billion a year industry
- 27.6 million are exploited in forced labour and trafficking
- 3.3 million are children
- 10.9 million are women and girls – 4.9 million are in forced sex exploitation
- 62% of Canadian reported human trafficking cases are in Ontario
- 96% of human trafficking victims are female
- 18-24 is the most common age group (45%); 17 and under 25%
- the amount a trafficker can potentially earn – $280,000 per year per person in force prostitution; higher gains for under 18
- 9 or 10 victims know their accused trafficker (not a stranger)
- One third are trafficked by an intimate partner
Katie Barker of the Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey also pointed out the expansive geographic area that encompasses Grey and Bruce counties and the roads, highways and waterways that enable easy access. “There is also a disparity when it comes to income … 17% of youth under 17 live in poverty (Poverty Task Force report). However, the lucrative industries, such as tourism and power generation, create a transient population with disposable income creating a potential market for traffickers to exploit.”
Barker said that there are approximately 30 to 40 communities that come together once a month to discuss how to educate and communicate with the public and potentially work within schools. She said that a sub-committee has also been established to work with municipal councils to create awareness with a view to acquiring their support and possible funding.
Jane Hartley, Executive Director of Victim Services Bruce-Grey, explained that there are keys when dealing with someone who is in a trafficking or precarious situation:
- Be present – avoid pressuring for details
- Avoid judgement – do not blame, shame or judge
- Reassure the person of their worth/value – restoring their sense of dignity
“A major support for victims is to provide safe housing,” said Hartley. “If a person has been
isolated, is in a strange community, is unfamiliar with any resources and the option is living on the street, they will often stay with their abuser who has been exploiting them. A person needs basic needs met – safe shelter, food, water and clothing. Supports will mean more independence and less reliance on the person who has been mistreating them and building a network of resources is key.”
Providing supports is about “… giving the person their own voice, finding their power and giving them the opportunity to tell their story with someone they want to share it with.” Hartley went to explain that there are keys to helping with recover:
- Encouraging small steps – small achievable goals foster a sense of accomplishment
- Respect boundaries – avoid pressuring and empower them with control over their decisions
- Re-build self-identity – reinforce strengths and sense of self
“Often times when coerced or trafficked you lose your self of worth,” says Hartley. “The person will feel that … ‘I am a possession, a property and means of making money and have no identity beyond that’. They need to make their own decisions and empower them as they have been stripped of their self-identity.”
“This (trafficking) is present in our community and together we can make a difference,” added Hartley, ” and make this a stronger and safer community. The road to recovery is not easy.”
Following the presentations, there was a question and answer (Q&A) period for the audience to ask questions of the speakers, who took part in the panel discussion representing several resource agencies.
During the Q&A, Hartley also pointed out that living in a coastline community can present its own problems. “It’s easy for someone to be enticed on to a boat for a ‘party’ but we are only three hours by boat to another place such as the U.S., so it’s another avenue to be aware of.”
Whether a parent, grandparent, guardian, caregiver or friend, signs of Trafficking to be aware of include:
- Having new or expensive goods/cash beyond financial means
- Being controlled – someone speaking for the person
- Signs of abuse – malnourishment and/or drug abuse
- No access to money, phone or ID documents
- Scripted, evasive or rehearsed answers
- Fearful, anxious, defensive, secretive
- Disconnection from family/friends
- New friends/group/new love interest
There are supports available 24/7 in Grey Bruce and they provide confidential and anonymous means to the supports. Among them are:
Women’s House Serving Bruce & Grey:
24 house Crisis Support Line: 1-800-265-3026
Sexual Assault Support Line: 1- 866-578-5566
The Women’s Centre Grey Bruce:
519-371-1600 (toll-free 1-800-265-3722)
Emergency: 911
Additional Resources: 211
Crime Stoppers Anonymous resource: 1-800-222-8477
For more resource services: CLICK HERE
