Today and every day, it is crucial to acknowledge that human trafficking is not just an international issue; it is happening right here in Canada, including in Winnipeg. This crime does not discriminate by location or community; it affects all areas, from affluent neighbourhoods to disadvantaged ones.
Human trafficking encompasses both sex trafficking and labour trafficking, with victims of all genders and ages – including our youngest and most vulnerable. As this issue pervades all communities, it is vital to be aware of the signs that someone might be groomed for or currently being trafficked.
Signs for Parents to Watch For:
- A noticeable change in attitude towards school, activities, and friends, including isolating from old friends and forming new, unknown friendships.
- Frequent sleepovers at a new friend's house.
- Sudden changes in dress, makeup, or hairstyle.
- Acquiring new items like clothing or jewelry without a clear means to afford them, potentially including alcohol.
- Unexplained physical injuries such as cuts or bruises or psychological signs like withdrawal, depression, and anxiety.
Signs for Retail and Hotel Employees:
- Individuals being closely escorted and monitored everywhere they go.
- Victims not speaking for themselves.
- Lack of personal identification and signs of being controlled.
Our Counter Exploitation Unit is committed to detecting and investigating human trafficking cases. The unit not only investigates but also conducts outreach to those in occupations and environments where they are at higher risk of exploitation and trafficking.
In 2024 alone, our Counter Exploitation Unit has been involved in 124 investigations resulting in
a variety of arrests and charges, including Procuring and Trafficking in Persons.
Human trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation, transfer, receipt, holding, concealing, or harbouring of individuals for the purpose of exploitation, whether for sexual or forced labour purposes. This crime can affect Canadian citizens and can occur across local, provincial, or national borders, often involving coercion through violence or threats.
The Counter Exploitation Unit urges anyone who believes they or someone they know may be a victim of trafficking to contact the Winnipeg Police Service. Support services and resources, including The Salvation Army and Joy Smith Foundation, are available for victims and their families.
We encourage all affected individuals to come forward and report human trafficking incidents to ensure everyone has access to support services and an exit strategy, regardless of their decision to pursue criminal charges.
