The OPP is launching an Anti-Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign today.

It’s National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, which shines a light on human trafficking and how prevalent it is in our communities.

Human trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation or harbouring of persons for the purposes of exploitation, typically in the sex industry or for forced labour. Victims are often from extremely vulnerable populations, including migrant workers, new immigrants, Indigenous women and youth, at-risk youth and those who are socially or economically disadvantaged.

It is common for victims to believe that their traffickers are helping or caring for them, and therefore, they may show their loyalty to their traffickers. This does not mean that they are not victims.

Traffickers use major highways to transport their victims throughout Ontario. Billboards along Highway 11 in Muskoka will be utilized during the campaign to help spread awareness of human trafficking to passing motorists, including human trafficking victims being transported by their traffickers.

The signs of human trafficking are not always obvious. Although the presence of one sign doesn’t necessarily identify human trafficking, a variety of indicators may point to the fact that an individual is being trafficked and needs help.

These indicators may include:

• Refusing to disclose information or provides false information.
• Unable to indicate where they are living, or give their address.
• Unable to identify their last location or their upcoming destination.
• Traveling with a lack of or limited luggage.
• Wearing clothing that is inappropriate for the weather or situation.
• Allowing someone else to take control of the conversation for themselves and others.
• Not having possession of their own identification or money.
• The individual seems afraid, anxious or depressed.
• Another person controls the individual’s conversation.
• Showing signs of abuse, malnourishment or sleep deprivation.

For more information, visit opp.ca/humantrafficking.

If you or someone you know may be a victim, please call 9-1-1 immediately. Victims are encouraged to reach out to Muskoka Victim Services at 1-844-762-9945 for immediate emotional and practical assistance, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Today is Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Our government is committed to shedding light on this crime, so more Ontarians #KnowHumanTrafficking.

Please join us in raising awareness, so we can prevent this crime & help survivors get the supports they need. https://t.co/KTtCWXpEDw pic.twitter.com/yrVW7HGYYg

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) February 22, 2021

#HumanTrafficking victims are often from vulnerable populations and believe their traffickers are helping. Together with Muskoka #VictimServices, we are bringing awareness to the prevalence of trafficking. https://t.co/W4biwcVlgS #KnowHumanTrafficking #LoveShouldntHurt ^gp pic.twitter.com/tVFiN9gSvw

— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) February 22, 2021

Raising awareness is our first line of defence in preventing #humantrafficking and protecting children and youth. This Human Trafficking Awareness day, learn about what human trafficking is, how it can happen and where to go for help: https://t.co/W30KOYJx9g #KnowHumanTrafficking pic.twitter.com/QglGBuMzEr

— Christine Elliott (@celliottability) February 22, 2021