The South Bruce OPP are partnering with local municipalities to raise awareness on human trafficking.
The partnership also includes the Grey-Bruce OPP and the Anti-Human Trafficking Committee alongside the Municipality of Kincardine and the Municipality of Grey Highlands.
As part of the awareness campaign, drivers may see "It Could Happen To Me" "#KnowHumanTrafficking" awareness signs posted in the municipalities.
The campaign also features stats courtesy of the OPP, which cover a range of factors.
Those include:
· 2/3's of all Canadian reported human trafficking cases occur in Ontario.
· 90% of victims are female.
· Average victim age is 17.
· $280,000 per year for each victim forced into prostitution.
A sex trafficker will control every aspect of the trafficked person's life: when they eat, when they sleep, what they wear, who they talk to.
The person being trafficked, and those they encounter may not understand that a crime is taking place.
Indicators of sexual exploitation:
· Tattoos or branding by a trafficker to show ownership.
· Substance abuse disorder as a method of control.
· Having multiple cellphones, or a cellphone with tracking or screen mirroring applications installed.
· Scars or injuries from abuse.
· Someone else speaks for the trafficked person.
· No control over their money.
· Having new jewelry, clothing, or other expensive items they cannot afford to buy.
Human trafficking is NOT just a big city issue, it is here in rural Ontario. A victim of human trafficking will not see any escape from "the game." They are dependent upon us to help, here are some signs that a person is being trafficked:
· Fearful, anxious, nervous of police.
· Refusing to provide any information or provides false information.
· Cannot tell you where they live, not even an address.
· Cannot identify their location or their upcoming destination.
· Travelling with limited or no baggage.
· Dressed inappropriately for the weather or situation.
· Not in possession of money or their identification.
· Presence of sex products such as toys, lubricants, condoms.
· Shows signs of abuse, malnourished, sleep deprived.
· Signs of frequent travel: motel receipts/key cards, fast food wrappers, gas receipts, rental car information.
Factors specific to Grey-Bruce:
· Geographic isolation.
· Tourism - particularly port towns, Tobermory, Owen Sound, Port Elgin, Kincardine.
· Direct line into and out of the city. Hwy 21, Hwy 6, Hwy 10, County Road 86, County Road 4
The South Bruce OPP and the Grey-Bruce OPP are requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
