Help combat human trafficking

Human trafficking is a highly-organized crime that involves exploiting humans for forced labour, sexual slavery, and commercial sexual exploitation. It is also one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada. 72% of reported human trafficking victim in Canada are under 25 years of age, and 93% of reported victims are Canadians being trafficked domestically. (Source: #NotInMyCity). 

Assessing the national and global reach of human trafficking is a challenging task due to the covert nature of these crimes, the unwillingness of victims and witnesses to approach law enforcement, and the practical challenges of identifying victims. While no one is immune to falling victim, some individuals face a higher risk. The key to tackling this issue lies in our collaborative efforts and unity.
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To safeguard your children from this crime, we can learn the signs of trafficking and talk openly about the risks with them. Honest discussions can make a big difference. Here's what we can do to help end human trafficking: 
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• Learn about Trafficking. Become aware of the indicators of human trafficking. Share the info with friends, on social media and young people in your life. See resources from #NotInMyCity 
• Challenge it. Find out what your representatives are doing to address human trafficking in Canada. Support ethical business practices that produce goods that are free of slavery and that promote supply chain transparency.
• Speak up. Become an advocate for women and girls who are exploted in the commercial sex industry and those being enslaved by their employers. Start a dialogue with your kids, coworkers and neighbours about human trafficking. (Source: Archdiocese of Ottawa)

Here are several local, national, and international initiatives diligently working towards eradicating sex and child trafficking.
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• Government of Alberta - 24 hour help | alberta.ca/human-trafficking
  or ​Public Safety Canada: Human trafficking isn't what you think it is
  • ​Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger
  • Call 211 for resources and support

 

• #NotinMyCity | notinmycity.ca
  In collaboration with national and international thought leaders, #NotInMyCity is raising awareness and taking collective action to prevent and end human trafficking and sexual exploitation. #NotInMyCity builds alliances to support, facilitate and advocate for the development and mobilization of a strategic, integrated plan to bring about transformational and sustainable change at the grassroots, practice, policy and legislative levels.
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• Next Step Ministries | nextstepministries.ca
  Next Step Ministries began with a vision to walk alongside women exiting sexual exploitation. NSM started programming for women to take their next step in 2010. They have five integrated programs providing wrap-around support to women impacted by sexual exploitation. NSM empowers women to move towards a life of hope and healing, surrounded by a caring community.
  
  
• IWIN (I'm Worth It Now Ministry) | iwininitiative.ca
  IWIN is a ministry started in 2019 with the support of the Catholic Women's League in the Diocese of Calgary. They provide backpacks to survivors of human trafficking who are entering a wrap-around program to support them emotionally, physically and spiritually. IWIN also raises awareness about the atrocity of human trafficking and its prevalence right here in our home country of Canada. 
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• RESET Calgary | resetcalgary.ca​
  RESET operates 24 hours a day, year-round. They provide client driven, long-term, comprehensive, wraparound programming and support for women (age 16 and above) who have experienced sexual exploitation and/or sex trafficking. 
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• ACT Action Coalition on Human Trafficking Alberta | actalberta.org
  ACT helps survivors of human trafficking find a path to safety.
  
  
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline | canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca
  Hotline: 1-833-900-1010 - confidential multilingual hotline to connect victims and survivors with social services, law enforcements, and emergency services. This hotline also receives tips from the public.
  • Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking
    
    
• Clan Mothers | clanmothers.ca
  Clan Mothers advocates for heart-first healing to address sexual exploitation and trafficking of Indigenous women. They aim to incorporate Indigenous methodologies, especially the matrilineal model, for a more effective treatment approach.
  
  
• Illuminate (Salvation Army) | illuminateht.com
  Illuminate is committed to disrupting human trafficking in Canada. They work to offer the best in crisis and rehabilitation care for survivors. They raise awareness, implement interventions, provide healing spaces for survivors, and build supportive networks. 
  
  
• Agape International Mission | aimfree.org 
  AIM is committed to rescuing, healing, and empowering trafficking survivors. The journey doesn't end at rescue - through experiencing Christ's unconditional love, survivors realize their worth, becoming advocates for others' freedom.

Videos & Courses

How does Human Trafficking Happen (#NotInMyCity)
Human trafficking is one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada. Education and awareness are key to addressing this crime, and it starts with you. Watch this 5 minute video on what human trafficking is, how it happens, and how you can help.

Domestic Sex Trafficking - A Survivor's Perspective
As a survivor of domestic human trafficking, Karly Church harnesses her lived experience, extensive knowledge, and her passion to work with her fellow survivors. ​

The Sound of Freedom (2023, Angel Studios)
"Sound of Freedom," inspired by a true story, highlights the darkness of child trafficking. A federal agent, after rescuing a boy from traffickers, discovers the boy's sister is still captive. He quits his job and embarks on a perilous mission into the Colombian jungle to save her, risking his own life to prevent her dire fate.

The Pink Room (2011, Vision Video) 
The Pink Room traverses the journey from rescue to prevention, providing firsthand insight into the imperative need for transformation - not just of individuals, but also the communities from which they hail.

Courses

Source: aimfree.org

• Mobilizing Communities to Disrupt Sexual Exploitation and Sex Trafficking in Canada (Not in My City) Course - A 30-minute course to provide a solid foundation of understanding on the issue of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Canada. This course heavily focuses on sex trafficking, as it is the most prevalent form of trafficking in Canada. https://notinmycity.ca/learn​
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• AIM Sex Trafficking Prevention Workshop (AIM) - If you’re tired of just knowing about the problem of sex trafficking, this training is for you! This course will equip you to learn about ways you can prevent sex trafficking in your own community. https://aimfree.org/course