Facts about Human Trafficking and the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children
It takes an average of 3 years and 7 attempted interventions to rescue a youth from a life of exploitation.
Canada has a serious issue with trafficking and exploitation. 93% of sex trafficking in Canada involves our own Canadian citizens, with an over-representation of Indigenous women and girls.
Women and girls from indigenous communities, immigrant, at-risk and runaway youth, especially those within the child welfare system, are especially vulnerable.
The digital world and social media platforms has made is easier for exploiters to “shop” and seek out their victims online. Between 2014 and 2018, reports of online sexual exploitation offences increased by 616%
Exploiters have excellent sales skills. They can present many different faces, emotions and behaviours to lure, control, abuse and exploit. Every effort is made to trick the individual into what feels like a loving, trusting and caring relationship. This creates a trauma bond with their exploiters. They may have deep loyalties and positive feelings toward their abuser. They may even view the abuser as a saviour. This is why targets of trafficking often do not see themselves as victims. Many don’t realize they have been victimized until years after their exit.
Call 911 if the victim is in immediate danger
Call 211 Alberta Community and Social Services Helpline if there is no urgent threat, you want more information about human trafficking, or you know someone who may need help
1-833-900-1010 if you want more information about human trafficking or know someone who may need help
If the victim is under 18, it is mandatory under provincial and federal law to report any case of suspected or known sexual exploitation.
EVERY TWO MINUTES A CHILD IS FORCED TO SELL HER BODY
(UNICEF)
THE AVERAGE AGE A CHILD IS FIRST EXPLOITED THROUGH CHILD SEX TRAFFICKING
(SharedHope International)
1 in 3 children who run away from home are approached by a trafficker within 48 hours of their running away.
Trauma, without intervention, adversely affects the trajectory of people’s lives.
When a child is traumatized, this sense of safety and love is broken and the whole family is affected.
Inside Beauty Foundation walks alongside girls and women, who have experienced the trauma of sexual abuse, exploitation, or trafficking to help them reclaim their lives.
The traumatic consequences of child abuse and exploitation affect not only the victims, but also their families and loved ones. When the survivor's support system is upended, the wounding may be deep and complex. But it doesn’t need to stay that way. The responses of natural supports and resources influence how an abused survivor will heal and recover.
The goal of our program is to create a long-term support system for survivors so the healing process can happen. The program pairs survivors with trained, compassionate mentors as they journey from disclosure through healing and into reclaiming wholeness.
Protecting Women and Girls from human trafficking starts with you
Trafficked persons are not always hidden in dark rooms away from the public eye.
A trafficked person may:
Since 2002, Inside Beauty Foundation has been working to raise awareness about human trafficking and exploitation. We conduct educational outreach programs through clubs, organizations, and schools. Through educating at-risk populations and sharing the signs to watch for, people will learn who might be vulnerable and how to effectively intervene.
My dad was trafficked at the age of 15 from China to England by a "family friend" with the promise of better education. My dad was exploited.
My father was rescued by his older brother (my uncle). He chose not to return to China but to stay in England where he met my mom.
My dad's unresolved trauma led to a life of alcoholism, fear, depression and rage.
It was only in his last years of his life did he finally find solace and peace and that was through his love of painting.
My dad is a hero.
Richard Wei Wing Siu
October 30 1947 - January 24 2022
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