Chatham-Kent police along with police services across the province are putting the spotlight on human trafficking.
Provincial police have recently helped seven people -- two of which are under the age of 18 -- through an outreach initiative called "Operation Northern Spotlight".
Locally, officers within Chatham-Kent Police Services met with two women "believed to be involved in exploitative situations". One of the two women has accepted help from Victim Services.
Chatham-Kent police are asking for people to report concerns when it comes to the safety of someone being abused or exploited.
Forty-five police services took part in the week-long operation, where 45 charges were laid against 15 people. Over 200 potential victims were offered support at this time. The seven victims identified were in the Peel, Waterloo, Ottawa, and Niagara regions.
“Human trafficking is a deplorable crime that threatens the safety, livelihood and dignity of those who are being exploited and abused," said OPP Deputy Commissioner Rick Barnum in a statement. "This is a complex issue that affects some of the most vulnerable people in our society and does not recognize jurisdictional boundaries. It is our duty to recognize and protect these people from exploitation."
Some of the charges laid include forcible confinement, trafficking in persons, assault, pointing a firearm, and criminal harassment.
